Ollie Watkins ends goal drought to put Villa in driving seat against Lille

The Independent

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• Aston Villa secured a 1-0 away victory against Lille in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.
• Ollie Watkins ended his goal drought by scoring the decisive goal in the 62nd minute with a header.
• Lille had a strong finish to the first half, with Olivier Giroud heading wide and Emiliano Martinez saving a shot from Romain Perraud.
• Amadou Onana hit the woodwork with a curling shot, while Villa’s penalty appeals for a challenge on Watkins were dismissed.
• The win gives Aston Villa a strong advantage as they aim to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.