Crystal Palace are in full control of their tie and this was almost certainly their best performance.
Mateta’s Dream Goal and Message to Fans
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta said: “What a night. I dreamed about scoring that goal for nights. I did and I am so happy.”
When asked if he had a message to the fans, Mateta said: “They know me, I keep working hard. They know I am always here and hopefully we can finish the job in Italy.”
Daniel Munoz tried to slide on to a cross right at the end to make it 4-0 to Crystal Palace and that would have made the night even better.
Watkins Eyes World Cup Spot After Scoring Form
Ollie Watkins may have booked his World Cup ticket, giving 100% every game.
He’s now scored three goals in his last two games and seems to have played himself into some form.
Watkins Reacts to the Game
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins said: “It could’ve been different. They had a disallowed goal and if that turns and it was 1-0 and stayed that way it would have been a long way back for us. We got lucky. They played tough today.”
Watkins added: “We got the goal from the set piece and that kind of took the sting out of the game. They were dominant before that, but just before half time is a great time to score. We got the second after half time and then we felt we always were going to score more.”
“Back end of the season I’m raring to go. I could play another 90 minutes. I’m excited for the next few games. I’m hungry,” Watkins stated.
Watkins noted: “Their winger was causing problems tonight. Great finish for his goal and at 2-1 it’s all to play for. That other goal, taking a 2-0 lead back to Villa Park, makes it tough for them.”
Analysis of Watkins’ Performance
Stiliyan Petrov said that for Watkins, there were so many questions about his performances and scoring goals, but every time Aston Villa need him to produce, he does. That is what makes him first choice.
Petrov added that in the back of Watkins’ mind he is thinking of the World Cup. When he is with England he has to score, he has to perform, tonight is a good start.
Pat Nevin said there is the possibility of the centre forward position waiting with the national team at the World Cup, there’s a chance at securing Champions League football and there’s a possible European final, and here he is scoring two goals and looking very sharp and very lively indeed. The chances he got, he scored.
Nevin added that Bologna went for it and left him one v one, so he knew he was going to get opportunities, and it was up to him to take them. He did take them, and did so very well, and he will take the headlines.
Watkins stated: “We have to play like that very game. Like against West Ham [before international break] we played well. We have to keep pushing, everyone around us is winning. We’re in a great spot at the end of the season and it’s all to play for.”