Record-breaking Ollie Watkins revels in Aston Villa honour

Ollie Watkins declared it mission accomplished after becoming Villa’s all-time Premier League top scorer to earn victory at Bournemouth and keep their Champions League hopes alive.

The striker’s goal just before half-time was enough to earn Villa a 1-0 win which also guaranteed they will play European football for a third straight season.

Watkins overtook Gabriel Agbonlahor in the scoring charts with his 75th Premier League goal, achieving an ambition he stated when first joining the club in 2020.

He said: “Getting that goal to break the record for this club is massive and something I had my eye on when I came to the club. 

“I said it in my first interview and it is a great achievement for me.

"Bournemouth are a great team here at home and they don't give you much space. They put us under a lot of pressure and Morgan [Rogers] has put it on a plate really.

"I think it is massive for us. There are a lot of teams that are pushing for Champions League spots and it is going down to the wire.”

Villa were well worth their lead with Marco Asensio having hit the post and Bournemouth goalkeeper keeper saving superbly from Boubacar Kamara.

But the visitors found themselves clinging on when Jacob Ramsey was sent-off for a second bookable offence with 10 minutes remaining.

Emi Martinez pulled off two big saves, with the second of those from Antoine Semenyo leading to Daniel Jebbison missing the target from no more than a yard out.

Villa are up to sixth in the table, level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle, who play each other tomorrow.

Watkins said: "It is a massive win. Going down to 10 men and them putting a lot of pressure on us. 

“Our away form hasn't been great and it is massive and we will be watching the game tomorrow. We need to make sure we win the last two games and it is in our hands to do that."

Speaking about Watkins’ achievement, boss Unai Emery said: “He deserves it completely.

“He is a hard worker and he is committed to Aston Villa. To achieve it, he really deserves it. I am so, so grateful to have a player like him.”