Ollie Watkins becomes first player in Europe to hit record as Aston Villa embarrass Sheffield United
Ollie Watkins reached double figures for goals and assists in the Premier League on Saturday as Aston Villa thrashed Sheffield United 5-0.
He 28 years has been key to Villa's promotion to the top four this season, with the striker taking another step forward at Bramall Lane.
Unai Emery's team traveled to Yorkshire to face a fight Blades team that is in last place in the Premier League table.
They went ahead at 12 minutes when John McGinn crashed in a rebound from close range after Watkins' chip hit the post.
Moments later, the England international found the back of the net with a low shot before setting up the goal. Leon Bailey to make it 3-0.
Villa had a 4-0 lead at the break. Youri Tielemans He shot on half an hour to continue the rout in Yorkshire.
Watkins also proved influential in the second half when he teed up Alex Moreno with his volley just two minutes into the match.
As a result, he has become the first player to reach double figures for goals (11) and assists (ten) in Europe's top five leagues this season.
He is also the first player to do so for Villa in the Premier League since Dwight Yorke in the 1995/96 campaign.
The win, their first in the league for 2024, has seen the Midlands side leapfrog Tottenham into fourth place, where they are now two points clear of Spurs.
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Villa is also tied on 46 points with city of manchester and Arsenalthe goal difference being the decisive factor in their positioning.
Sheffield United Meanwhile, they are still searching for a third league win of the season as their relegation fears continue to grow each week.
Many Blades fans could be seen heading for the exits after Bailey scored Villa's third goal of the night.
Chris WilderThe team is now ten points from safety and their 59 goals conceded is the most of the 20 Premier League teams.
Incredibly, only Northern Ireland's Newry City have conceded more goals (65) than United among all UEFA top-flight leagues this season.
