‘The game plan was to try and get in behind them and it worked’: Ollie Watkins reveals Aston Villa identified Liverpool’s high line as a weakness ahead of stunning 7-2 thrashing
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has revealed his team planned to exploit Liverpool‘s high line ahead of their brilliant 7-2 victory at Villa Park on Sunday evening.
Watkins scored a ‘perfect’ hat-trick against last season’s champions while Jack Grealish bagged a brace and John McGinn and Ross Barkley also netted.
Villa got through Liverpool’s defence with incredible ease and really could have won by more.
Ollie Watkins has revealed that Aston Villa planned to exploit Liverpool ‘s high line
Liverpool were left stunned as they were a shadow of themselves when it came to defending
‘We saw how high they play and the game plan was to try and get in behind them and you could see it worked,’ Watkins said after the victory.
‘It was more about blocking off the passing lanes and just making sure they can’t pass through us. We knew it would be hard but we all worked together and it showed tonight.’
‘Before the game I didn’t think I’d score three goals but after the first one I got confidence and grew into the game and got chances.
‘I should have got more in the end. One on one with the keeper… I’ve got to be scoring that. You can always improve and I think I’d back myself to score that.’
Watkins wheels away in celebration after scoring his third goal before half-time
