Unai Emery Defends Ollie Watkins as Striker Faces Goal-Scoring Challenges
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has publicly backed striker Ollie Watkins, asserting that the player's recent dip in form is not solely his responsibility. Emery highlighted that tactical setups and chance creation play crucial roles in a striker's performance, urging a collective approach to improve the team's offensive output.
Watkins' Statistics Reflect a Tough Season
Ollie Watkins has managed only eight goals this season, scoring in just six matches out of 38 appearances across all competitions. His assist tally has also dropped significantly, with just one assist recorded this term compared to 21 over the previous two campaigns. This decline has intensified scrutiny on his position, especially following the January signing of Tammy Abraham in an £18 million deal from Besiktas.
Emery's Perspective on Team Dynamics
In a recent statement, Emery expressed high regard for both Watkins and Abraham, describing them as "fantastic strikers." He emphasized that the focus should be on how the team can support its offensive players. "Our challenge is how we can help our offensive players to create better chances or more attacking options to score goals. The responsibility is not only for them," Emery explained.
He detailed the need for structural improvements, including:
- Enhancing tactical strategies to boost confidence and comfort on the field.
- Developing better ways to link play and exploit player qualities in the attacking third.
- Analyzing set-pieces and offensive duels to identify areas for improvement.
Collective Responsibility Over Individual Blame
Emery firmly placed the onus on himself and the team structure, rather than singling out Watkins. "It is not only the striker's responsibility to score goals. Watkins showed his capacity to score goals for a long time and Tammy as well. We must help them. The responsibility is mine, how we can get better offensively," he stated.
He also noted the team's defensive strengths, mentioning that while they are conceding fewer chances, offensive improvements are necessary to achieve better results. "In the balance, we can feel good. But it is not enough. We must achieve our better way by analysing and understanding," Emery added.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
When specifically asked about Watkins' form, Emery remained optimistic about the striker's future contributions. "There are still matches to play. I believe he will achieve his objective scoring goals and adding more assists. I believe in it," he said. He stressed that both collective and individual challenges must be addressed, with players taking on personal responsibilities to enhance team performance.
This stance underscores Emery's commitment to a supportive team environment, where success is viewed as a shared endeavor rather than an individual burden.
