By scoring in the Europa League quarterfinal win against Bologna, Watkins became the first Villa player to reach 100 goals for the club since Peter McParland in 1962.
“Wow, when you put it like that, it’s a long, long time,” he admitted after the 4-0 win. “There have been a lot of ups and downs and it’s definitely a milestone I will cherish. It only gives me motivation to score 100 Premier League goals now. That is the next one.
“I want to keep scoring each game. I am really enjoying this period of the season. I want to keep pushing now. It is not a time to relax. We want to keep pushing.
“We have it all to play for. The games are coming thick and fast. Obviously Sunderland don’t have European football so have had all week to prepare for it. It is important we rest up now and focus again on Sunday.
Asked if his form is arriving just at the right time, Watkins said: “Yeah, you could say so. As a team, if the team aren’t playing well it is hard personally for me to play well as well.
“It is better for me if the team are at their best, playing in good combinations. The more chances I get, the better for me so yeah, collectively as a team we are playing well and I feel that helps me.”