Aston Villa fan Tom Hanks had an incredible reaction to Ollie Watkins' opener vs Arsenal
Hollywood actor Tom Hanks was overcome with excitement after Ollie Watkins handed Aston Villa a surprise early lead in their Premier League clash against Arsenal.
The 66-year-old, who first spoke of his support of Villa in January 2008, when he made the revelation at the premiere of his film Charlie Wilson's War in London, was a special guest for Saturday's game at Villa Park.
And he was just getting settled into his seat when the in-form Watkins beat Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale with a wonderful effort from the left hand side.
Moments later and the BT Sport cameras panned to Hanks, who couldn't believe his eyes as Unai Emery's side went 1-0 ahead after just five minutes. Check out his reaction below.
A long-time Villa fan 🦁
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 18, 2023
Tom Hanks enjoyed Ollie Watkins' opener ✨ pic.twitter.com/TJZSDn27YJ
Saturday's fixture against Premier League leaders Arsenal is the second Villa game Hanks has attended. Back in 2012, he joined fellow Villa fan Bob Stephenson to watch their pre-season friendly against Portland Timbers.
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A year later and Hanks was asked if he was a Villa supporter during an interview with Channel 5.
"I am. Well I've seen one Aston Villa match, it was a friendly in the United States," he said.
"I try to keep up. I have a very good friend that lives and dies by Aston Villa, he's in Los Angeles as well, so I'm always getting my updates from him.
"Because I can never figure out what channel the football match is on on my grid at home - 583, 643, 801? I can never quite find it.
"Every time I'm looking at the football matches on the soccer channels, as we call it, it's always West Ham playing Man United, Tottenham v Queens Park Rangers. Bring me Villa, bring me Villa!
"Doesn't it sound like a lovely place, Aston Villa? I had a lovely massage at Aston Villa...."
It’s a pleasure to have you with us at Villa Park, @TomHanks! 🤝 #AVLARS pic.twitter.com/fKiqU5swcI
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 18, 2023
Tom Hanks is in the building 😍#avfc | #utv | #vtid pic.twitter.com/4JDKuyItV8
— Aston Villa Statto (@AVFCStatto) February 18, 2023
When they suffered relegation from England's top flight in 2015, Hanks was positive despite the news.
“This is a message to all the claret and blue: Hang on. There's not a club in the world that hasn't experienced this and there's not a club in the world that hasn't fought back," he said.
"Aston Villa will see their destiny through. Hang on. Don't give up. Wear the scarves. Be proud."
Topics: Aston Villa, Arsenal, Premier League
Jack Kenmare