What a difference one goal makes, and given the two worldies it followed the composure from Paris Saint-Germain’s left-back certainly warrants a mention.
The hill is far steeper now Villa must score twice against PSG without reply on Tuesday to simply force extra-time, and while entirely possible, it enters free-shot territory.
square FOOTBALL Aston Villa stumbled after two PSG stunners – then came the knockout blow
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“We have nothing to lose. Why not just go for it? It’s not done yet.”
Villa boss Unai Emery must now consider what tweaks can be made and how that collides with Saturday’s Premier League match at Southampton, which must not be underestimated given the bigger picture of trying to reach the Champions League all over again.
Having started in 37 of his 45 appearances this season, Watkins would be right to feel aggrieved and a little perplexed by the call, with Marcus Rashford starting in his place.
The Manchester United loanee is “playing free” according to Emery, and on the eve of the PSG match the Villa boss also admitted to experimenting on the go.
All the angles from Désiré Doué’s outstanding finish pic.twitter.com/8oybXmyObX
Setting up defensively, Villa knew they would have even less of the ball in Paris – 44 per cent possession at Brighton to 32 per cent possession at PSG – and Emery said afterwards the match ultimately met his “expectations”.
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Marcus Rashford's Aston Villa spell is turning out just as Man Utd wanted
Read MoreVilla recorded eight attempts and 26 attacks, with Liverpool only managing two attempts from their 26 attacks in Paris a month ago.
Watkins, meanwhile, could have been far more useful than his brief cameo. He is used to the defensive work required of a striker, while his hold-up play is one of his greatest strengths, but instead he was reduced to 11 minutes off the bench, a change that felt far too late for the 29-year-old to make an impact.
One goal, two goals, Emery said it barely makes a difference, for Villa still have to win.
Should Watkins return?
It would leave Villa a little more exposed but they must force the issue, and given Rashford’s best performances have come from out wide, this would arguably give them their best shot at a shock.
Those who have seen plenty of him at United would say Rashford is not a No 9, but that is what Villa are trying – even though they have precious little time to find out whether it works and three fronts still to fight on.
It’s a gamble, and with Watkins in the squad and Rashford’s qualities better seen on the wing, it doesn’t feel like one that is worth taking.
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