Ollie Watkins hails 'unbelievable' Aston Villa team-mate after Brentford win

The Sweden international, deputising for the injured Emi Martinez, kept just the second clean sheet of his Villa career, while Watkins got the only goal in a 1-0 victory which kept Unai Emery’s team firmly in the mix in the top half of the Premier League.

Olsen had conceded 28 goals in just 12 league appearances since joining the club, initially on loan from Roma, in 2022.

But he was pushed toward the visiting supporters to receive their adulation after Saturday’s final whistle.

Watkins said: “I think when Robin has played the majority of the time he has had to come on at half-time and has been thrown in at the deep end. That is tough. 

“It is nice he could start a game and show what he could do from the start. 

“He has had some unbelievable performances. He played like that away to Brighton last year. We lost the game but he was man of the match by far. He did the same today and it was massive.”

Olsen is now on standby to again deputise for Martinez in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge, should the Argentina international not be recovered from muscle pain.

Asked about Saturday’s post-match celebrations, Olsen told VillaTV: “I don’t know what to say, I’m not used to that.

“Of course, it’s always nice to celebrate with the fans who have travelled down here and supported us for 90 minutes.

“I’m so happy. I’m so proud of the boys and the team, we knew that it’s a really tough away game.

“We knew that we had to play at our best, so we did everything we spoke about before the game. I’m just so pleased and proud of the team.”