Unai Emery Speaks Out on Ollie Watkins' Form and Explains Aston Villa Concerns
Unai Emery has publicly defended Ollie Watkins' recent performances, emphasizing that tactical considerations are behind the striker's goal drought this season. The Aston Villa manager has taken full responsibility for helping Watkins rediscover his scoring touch.
Watkins' Recent Struggles in Front of Goal
Ollie Watkins has found the net just once in his last eleven appearances for Aston Villa across all competitions. Despite starting nine of Villa's last ten Premier League matches, with only a home defeat to Brentford missed due to injury, his output has significantly declined.
This season, Watkins has managed eight goals in thirty-eight total appearances, providing only one assist. This marks a stark contrast to his previous two campaigns, where he accumulated an impressive seventy-three goal contributions through goals and assists.
Increased Competition Following Tammy Abraham's Return
The January signing of Tammy Abraham has heightened scrutiny on Watkins' position in the starting lineup. Abraham made an immediate impact by scoring in consecutive matches against Leeds United and Newcastle United, prior to Villa's recent loss at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Emery addressed the competitive environment, stating, "Always he had here competitive strikers. Danny Ings, Jhon Duran, Marcus Rashford, Donyell Malen. Now it is Tammy Abraham." He emphasized the need for both strikers to perform at their peak, adding, "We need both strikers, and we need both strikers playing in their best and feeling comfortable in the structure."
Emery's Tactical Responsibility and Broader Concerns
The Villa manager explicitly shouldered the blame for the team's attacking issues, explaining, "It is my responsibility how we can improve things to feel them or the winger with the possibilities to score goals. This is my concern and responsibility."
Emery elaborated that the problem extends beyond the strikers alone, highlighting systemic factors. "It is not only for the strikers, but how we are playing, or getting to the opposition box, good crosses, and the last passes, doing them well to try to get our strikers, wingers, and midfielders close to scoring." This indicates a comprehensive review of Villa's offensive tactics is underway to enhance goal-scoring opportunities for all attacking players.
