Maatsen planning another 'special' occasion

IAN Maatsen is determined to build on Villa's “special” win against Newcastle with another vital victory at Manchester City in their quest for Champions League qualification.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

Villa bounced back from last week's agonising quarter-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain with a mightily impressive performance as they seek to return to European football’s top table.

Ollie Watkins scored inside 33 seconds at Villa Park and set up Maatsen for his first Premier League goal after Fabian Schar had levelled for the Magpies, with a Dan Burn own goal and Amadou Onana’s wonderstrike wrapping up a statement 4-1 victory.

“This (is) Villa Park,” said Maatsen. “We are very strong here. I’m just really happy with the team performance. It was just special. So many goals, beautiful goals. A really good team performance.”