Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins has sent a message to fans insisting that the 4-0 defeat to Spurs ‘doesn’t define them’ in the race for the Champions League.
Unai Emery’s side were embarrassed on Sunday afternoon as Spurs breezed past the hosts at Villa Park. A second-half collapse saw the visitors net four times with Villa captain John McGinn getting sent off just after the hour mark.
The result is a disaster for Villa. The club had a real chance to pull eight points clear of Spurs and consolidate fourth spot. It was widely expected that Villa would at least pick something up with former player David James ‘confidence’ about a positive result for the hosts.
Yet, the game couldn’t have gone much worse. Spurs have now closed the gap to two points with the Londoners having a game in hand and now a superior goal difference.
Despite the dismay, Watkins issued a comforting message to fans, reassuring them ahead of the final games of the campaign.
Champions League ‘still in Aston Villa’s hand’
The big fear for many fans after the result was the effect it would have on Champions League qualification.
Spurs have closed the gap and with the top four currently the only route to the Champions League, things may look bleak.
However, Watkins has re-assured fans after the game claiming that Villa still have the situation under control.
Watkins told BBC Sport: “Really disappointing. First half I felt like we had a few opportunities on the break, I had one myself. Second half, we’ve come out a little bit slow, they’ve scored two goals really quickly. It’s very difficult against a good side to come back from 2-0. Obviously, with our captain getting sent off as well, it’s difficult.
“I can definitely do better, as a team we can do better. But look, this game doesn’t define us. We’ve done unbelievable to get where we are today. We’ve still got a lot of football to play. The sending off I think is harsh. Obviously, it looks a little bit reckless because it’s in front of their bench and a big reaction from their side. It’s obviously a tough one to take.
“If someone says you lose the game but you finish with 10 men then I’d take that. John McGinn is so important for us. That’s the biggest nail in the coffin, losing him for three games. I believe in us, [Champions League qualification] is in our hands.”
Ollie Watkins’ Villa should still qualify for the Champions League
Watkins’ is correct in his assessment. Despite the performance, it was highly out of character for many of the players.
However, making a comeback against West Ham next is vital. The club cannot make it back-to-back defeats in their hunt for the Champions League.
Fifth place is still widely expected to become an extra spot come the end of the season. England are still just outside the top two in the coefficient positions needed to earn an extra European spot.
However, with Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool and Villa expected to go far in their expected competitions, the Premier League should secure that extra spot come the end of the season.
