Neil Lennon reacts immediately to ‘Incredible’ Aston Villa v Celtic footage he saw
Neil Lennon was left stunned after Ollie Watkins ballooned his penalty over the crossbar as Aston Villa defeated Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Luckily for the striker, his side came out on top with a 4-2 victory (29 January) and he scored the third goal to restore the lead after Adam Idah’s brace had cancelled out Morgan Rogers’ early double.
However, when given the opportunity to score again through a penalty, the 29-year-old slipped and sent the ball well over the bar.
Speaking live on TNT Sports commentary (29 January), Lennon admitted he wasn’t sure on the penalty call as he said: ” I thought he got some of the ball, he gets his body across. Does he get the man first and then the ball? Tough, it’s such a hard one to call.”
However, the attempt from Watkins left Lennon stunned as he said: “Wow, this game’s had everything. That is incredible, that will be shown for years to come.”
Ollie Watkins will be relieved at Aston Villa win
Although Watkins scored his side’s third goal of the evening, you certainly would’ve expected better from the star striker in a situation where a goal is likely to be scored.
What’s worse is that it wasn’t even a goalkeeper save but, instead, a total mistake from the experienced striker, who seemed to slip and then hit the ball with the wrong foot.
Luckily for Watkins, his side came out on top with a 4-2 victory and finished in a position that sees them straight through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, meaning his miss didn’t mean too much.
Nevertheless, it would not be a surprise to see the striker spending some time practising his penalties before playing any more Champions League football, in case he is called upon again.
With teammate Jhon Duran set for an exit from Villa Park, Watkins needs to make sure he stays in fine form in front of goal.
In other Aston Villa news, an official bid has been made to land a Premier League ace.
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