OOH LA VILLA!

Hero Watkins wows at last to break club's French duck

- BY JOHN TOWNLEY

FRENCH BLISS Watkins roars with delight after ending his seven-game dry spell in front of goal THEY THINK IT'S ALL OVER Ozer Lille keeper is beaten (above) after Watkins soars to send his header spinning into the net

OLLIE WATKINS ended a seven-game goal drought to earn Aston Villa their first-ever win in France at the seventh attempt.

The England international grabbed only his third goal of 2026 to ensure Villa beat Lille at the Stade Pierre Mauroy and take a one-goal advantage back to Birmingham for their Europa League last-16 second leg.

Watkins broke the deadlock just after the hour mark with a deft header over Berke Ozer, though manager Unai Emery will feel his side should be heading into Thursday's reverse fixture with a greater margin.