'Angry' Aston Villa striker channels aggression vs Newcastle

The recalled striker scored after just 33 seconds against the Magpies, equalling Gabriel Agbonlahor’s club record of 74 Premier League goals.

Watkins, starting for just the second time in seven matches, then hit the bar and the post before setting up Ian Maatsen for the goal which put Villa back in front after Fabian Schar had equalised.

A Dan Burn own goal and sensational strike from substitute Amadou Onana saw Villa secure a thumping 4-1 win.

Watkins, who came off the bench in both games of Villa’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to PSG, later revealed how he had turned his frustration at not starting those games into positive energy.

The 29-year-old said he had made his displeasure clear to Emery.

Watkins told Sky Sports: "Champions League, we have put in a lot of hard graft to get to that position.

"I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games. I am not going to lie, I was fuming that I wasn’t playing - I let him (Unai Emery) know that.

“He’s the manager, at the end of the day you have to respect his decision.

"I am not one of these players which is happy to sit on the bench.

"Something I have not experienced before and to miss out on the biggest stage.

“I think me and a few others were disappointed that we didn’t start the game, but it is the manager's decision.

“The team played well, but I wanted to be out on the pitch for much longer. I have played a big part to get to where we are today and I want to play in those games

"Against Southampton I came off the bench. I was angry I wasn’t playing and you have got to use that as motivation rather than let it hinder you.

"We are doing unbelievable now and we have a great home run. We have to keep winning these games.

“We have got to win all the games in front of us and win that Champions League spot.”

Villa’s victory, against a Newcastle team that had won its last six matches in all competitions, moved them up to sixth in the Premier League table.

Watkins continued: "I think obviously being out of the team nobody is happy to sit on the bench. You always want to play in the starting line-up. Today, I was ready to go and I wasn’t going to let that opportunity slip.

"We knew Newcastle were going to go man-to-man. Personally, I like it when teams do that.

“You’re focusing on beating the defender you’re up against and go from there. I think I got the better of Schar today and gave him a hard time.

"I think I played against him a few times and he’s an unbelievable defender. Today was my day and one-on-one at the back they had a lot of success previously.

"We saw them doing it against Palace and they scored five goals - the manager told us it was going to be difficult.

"It was about me getting a hold of the ball and bring people into play."

Emery, who on Friday had told a press conference he wanted Watkins to “stay angry” at being out of the team, repeated the message after Saturday’s win.

The boss said: “It is fantastic to be angry, fantastic to play like he did today and fantastic to be ready and available in every match.

“This is the competitive way I want. Ollie is a very good person. My conversations with the players is always trying to help, to support and be demanding with them.

"With Watkins it was a very good conversation. When he responds like he did today, I am very happy."