Ollie Watkins Sets Premier League Goal Target After Aston Villa Milestone
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has immediately set his sights on a new goal milestone after scoring his 100th goal for the club in all competitions. The forward achieved this landmark during Villa's Europa League quarter-final second leg against Bologna, where he netted in the 16th minute to put his team ahead.
Joining Villa's Illustrious History
By reaching 100 goals, Watkins joins an elite group of Aston Villa legends. This prestigious list includes Billy Walker with 244 goals, Harry Hampton with 242, Joe Bache with 184, John Devey with 183, Eric Houghton with 170, Pongo Waring with 167, Johnny Dixon with 144, Peter McParland with 121, Billy Garraty with 112, Dai Astley with 100, and Len Capwell with 100. Notably, Watkins is the first player to hit this milestone since McParland did so 66 years ago during the 1960/61 season.
Next Target: Premier League Century
Watkins has already shifted his focus to his next objective: scoring 100 Premier League goals. He currently has 84 top-flight goals in 215 games since joining Villa in 2020, meaning he is just 16 goals away from this new target. In an interview with TNT Sports, Watkins expressed his ambition, stating, "It's a milestone that everyone wants to hit, every striker wants to hit, scoring 100 goals. I think the next for me is 100 Premier League goals, that's what I've got my eye on and it's definitely achievable. It's an amazing milestone."
England Squad Admission and Response
The striker also addressed his recent omission from the England squad for the March internationals under manager Thomas Tuchel. Despite his disappointment, Watkins has responded positively on the pitch, scoring key goals in matches against Lille, West Ham, and in both legs against Bologna. He told TNT Sports, "I was disappointed not to be in the previous squad, but yeah, I can understand his reasons for not picking me. I just have to do my talking on the pitch and keep performing well and then score as many as I can come the end of the season." This determination highlights his commitment to earning a recall for the upcoming World Cup squad.
Watkins' achievement and future goals underscore his significant impact at Aston Villa, as he continues to build on his legacy while aiming for new heights in the Premier League and on the international stage.
