Tammy Abraham seals wild Villa win after late Sunderland scare, says he mirrored Ollie Watkins’ killer instincts | OneFootball

Aston Villa match-winner Tammy Abraham has said he followed Ollie Watkins' example after scoring a dramatic decider against Sunderland.

Aston Villa kept alive their pursuit ofChampions League football with a thrilling 4-3 win over Sunderland at Villa Park.

Unai Emery's side had been in control of the contest when Morgan Rogers gave the hosts a 3-1 lead early in the second, following Watkins' first-half brace, which sandwiched Chris Riggs' response for Sunderland.

However, Villa conceded twice in a minute late on as Sunderland looked to have snatched a point. First, Trai Hume showed determination to pull one back, before Wilson Isidor's 87th-minute equaliser.

There was still time for one last twist, as Abraham netted a last-gasp winner. The substitute steered in from Lucas Digne's delivery to spark wild celebrations.

Villa move back level on points with Manchester United, and now need only six points from their final five games to secure Champions League qualification.

Speaking toSky Sports, Abraham said watching Watkins' performance closely helped him make an impact off the bench.

"I think we got too relaxed and made a few mistakes and Sunderland punished us, they are a good team.

"As a striker, watching Ollie [Watkins] today, he was staying alive in the box and when I came on I told myself to do the same thing. Luckily for me I was in the right place at the right time.

"We are a team that believes in ourselves. We are doing so well this season, we just have to carry on with the confidence.

Abraham's goal was his second in thePremier League since re-signing for Villa in January. The forward said he's delighted to have reconnected with the club's fanbase.

"They're the best. I was lucky to be here in the promotion years so I knew all about them and every game they bring us confidence and support us day in and day out. I love them."