Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins has placed the credit for the club's historic winning streak squarely at the feet of manager Unai Emery. The striker's comments come after his dramatic two-goal performance from the bench sealed a stunning comeback victory against Chelsea, setting up a pivotal Premier League showdown with leaders Arsenal.
Emery's Midas Touch Drives Villa History
Watkins, who turned the game at Stamford Bridge on its head after being introduced just before the hour mark, stated that nobody should be shocked by Villa's extraordinary form. Unai Emery's side have now won 17 of their last 19 matches, collecting a staggering 36 points from the last 39 available in the Premier League.
The win in West London marked an eighth consecutive league victory, a sequence not seen at the club since 1910. Across all competitions, their 11-match winning streak equals a club record set over a century ago in September 1897 and March 1914.
"I didn't have a clue about that," Watkins admitted regarding the 111-year record. "But it doesn't surprise me with this manager. Every record he breaks, or we break, I am not surprised because it is down to him."
The Calm and Demanding Genius in the Dugout
Watkins elaborated on the Spaniard's unique management style, which has fostered immense belief within the squad after a difficult start to the campaign. He highlighted Emery's composure and insightful in-game adjustments as key factors.
"He sees stuff in the game and changes things at half-time," Watkins explained. "Chelsea were very good in the first half but at the break he was so calm. In games where you think he is going to shout at us, he is the opposite. In games where we think we have done well he ends up getting on to you and demands more. It is down to him."
The striker emphasised that the manager's unwavering confidence has been transformative, creating a resilient and focused team environment.
Navigating a 'Hard' Blow Ahead of Arsenal Test
The landmark win at Chelsea ensures Villa will travel to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night with the chance to draw level on points with Mikel Arteta's league-leading Arsenal. However, Watkins acknowledged the challenge ahead, with Villa set to be without two key suspended players.
"It is difficult. We have just lost two players from the starting XI in Bouba [Kamara] and Cashy, who are hard to replace," he said, referring to Boubacar Kamara and Matty Cash. "We need to just keep pushing and avoid injuries and bookings like that because we need everyone to be fit. To miss those two is hard but we just have to focus on ourselves."
As Villa prepare for one of their biggest tests of the season, the message from their in-form striker is clear: the team's remarkable journey is being masterminded by the meticulous and demanding Unai Emery.
