Ollie Watkins cut a delighted figure having found the net for a fifth successive Premier League match – creating a slice of Aston Villa history in the process.
The striker’s 63rd-minute penalty put Villa on their way to a 2-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park, with Emi Buendía wrapping up the points late on.
Watkins, having also netted in his previous four matches against Southampton, Leicester City, Manchester City and Arsenal – becomes the first Villa player to score in five successive top-flight appearances since 1985 and the first in the Premier League era.
And he spoke of his pride at writing his name into the club’s history books.
“It’s nice, it’s nice, Watkins told VillaTV post-match.
“It’s a lovely record. It’s very hard to do, obviously.
“As you’ve seen, so many top players play for Villa and no-one has done that. So I’m really enjoying it at the moment and long may it continue.”
Reflecting on his current red-hot form in front of goal, Watkins added: “I’ve been frustrated in the past because I know I can hit these sorts of levels.
“Maybe I was trying too hard because I know I’m capable of it.
“It’s nice that I’m showing people what I’m capable of doing, and long may it continue.”
Victory ensured Villa got back to winning ways on the back of three successive defeats.
Villa have now won four of their five matches on the road under head coach Unai Emery.
“I think it was important here that we came away and took three points from this game,” said Watkins.
“We knew we needed to manage games better and I think we did that here.”
