Watkins told Sky Sports, 'I wasn't happy about not playing, but I'm not one of those players who sits on the bench and sulks. I'm here to play and make a difference.'

Unai Emery, the Villa boss, was impressed. 'It's fantastic,' he said. 'It's fantastic to be angry, to play like he did today. It's fantastic to be available every match in the best moment. That's the competitive way I want.'

Emery praised Watkins' response and their conversation. 'It was a very good conversation,' he said. 'And when he responds like today, I'm so happy for him, for the team, and for our objective.'