Aston Villa striker Watkins: McGinn red card was harsh

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins defended their performance after today's thrashing at home by Tottenham.

Spurs won 4-0, with Villa captain John McGinn sent off.

Watkins later lamented: "Really disappointing. First half I felt like we had a few opportunities on the break, I had one myself.

"Second half, we've come out a little bit slow, they've scored two goals really quickly. It's very difficult against a good side to come back from 2-0. Obviously with our captain getting sent off as well, it's difficult.

"I can definitely do better, as a team we can do better. But look, this game doesn't define us. We've done unbelievable to get where we are today. We've still got a lot of football to play.

"The sending off I think is harsh. Obviously it looks a little bit reckless because it's in front of their bench and a big reaction from their side. It's obviously a tough one to take.

"If someone says you lose the game but you finish with 10 men then I'd take that. John McGinn is so important for us. That's the biggest nail in the coffin, losing him for three games.

"I believe in us, [Champions League qualification] is in our hands."