Ollie Watkins at the hat-trick in Aston Villa’s rampage in Scotland

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Villa started their trip to Hibs with a quick goal from Ollie Watkins, his first on the night, in the 17th minute before adding another one three minutes after the half-hour mark. Leon Bailey made it 3-0 before halftime.

Watkins’ first two goals were from headers, and it didn’t take long after the break to get his hat trick, although he waited a while for a VAR check to confirm if it would stand. A 74th-minute penalty from Douglas Luiz completed the route for Aston Villa, who will play their second leg more or less like a formality.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said his team played so well that there was no denying that they deserved the 5-0 victory.

“We know today that we really played a high level and didn’t let them play how they usually play. The end result – five goals – is maybe not deserved, but we deserved to win, and our respect for them is playing how we played. We know they are very good in the transition. We know they have good long balls and crosses. We tried to keep control of the ball, and we did it. I am happy, but everything we did was with respect. In this competition, first, we have to be in the groups, and second, trying to do something here.” Emery said.

Aston Villa is close to the group stage of a UEFA Club competition for the first time in a while after finishing in seventh position in the Premier League last season. They will turn their attention to the Premier League this weekend when they face Burnley at Turf Moor.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu