Ollie Watkins has conveyed a clear message to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery: he aspires to be in the starting lineup for the most significant matches.
The striker expressed frustration at being relegated to a substitute role for both of Villa’s Champions League quarter-final matches against Paris St-Germain.
In a stunning display against Newcastle on Saturday, he harnessed his frustration effectively, netting a goal within the first minute and assisting another, leading his team to a commanding 4-1 victory.
With his latest goal, he joins Gabriel Agbonlahor as Villa’s joint-top Premier League goalscorer, having netted 74 times.
Despite achieving record-equalling feats, Watkins has started only two of the club’s last six matches, a situation he is clearly not pleased with.
In Tuesday’s Champions League second-leg match, Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford took to the pitch from the start, while Watkins entered the game during the second half as Aston Villa faced elimination.
In both matches against PSG, I participated for a total of 20 minutes. “I won’t sugarcoat it; I was extremely frustrated about not being on the pitch – I made that clear to him [Unai Emery],” Watkins stated in an interview with Sky Sports.
“As the manager, his decision warrants respect; however, I am not among those players content to remain on the bench.” I find myself in uncharted territory, having never before missed the opportunity to participate on such a grand stage. I wished to spend significantly more time on the pitch. The individual expressed a significant role in the team’s journey to its current position, emphasizing a desire to participate in upcoming matches.
In response to Watkins’ remarks, Emery stated, “It’s fantastic to be angry and fantastic for him to play like he did [against Newcastle].”
Watkins suggests that Emery is likely facing a challenging decision regarding his following starting lineup.
“I’m knocking on the door, enquiring about my absence from the lineup,” he remarked while highlighting Villa’s considerable depth in talent.
“During my time at Villa, many fans have expressed that this is the strongest squad we’ve ever had. The additions we made in January, including players like Rashford and [Marco] Asensio, have elevated the quality of the team, which means that players like me may find themselves on the bench more often, leading to significant rotation.”
Emery’s decision to include Rashford in the starting lineup for four of Villa’s last six matches has fuelled speculation regarding Watkins’ potential departure from the club this week.
Aston Villa turned down a £40 million offer from Arsenal for striker Ollie Watkins in January.
Earlier this season, Watkins was instrumental in preventing John Duran from securing a spot on the team. Duran subsequently departed Villa during the winter transfer window, joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr in a deal that could reach a value of £71 million.
Aston Villa has not yet provided any information regarding their intentions to pursue a permanent deal for Rashford in the upcoming summer transfer window.
A loan agreement for the 27-year-old extends through the season’s conclusion, featuring a £40 million buy option.
Aston Villa is set to face Manchester City in an away match on Tuesday, followed by a crucial FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley on Saturday.
Dynamite Watkins
In a remarkable display of skill, the 29-year-old struck just 33 seconds into the match against Newcastle, expertly receiving the ball in the box before unleashing a powerful shot that deflected off defender Fabian Schar and found the back of the net.
Watkins emerged as the standout player on the pitch, striking the woodwork twice during the opening half. With the score at 1-0, he hit a powerful shot, rattling the crossbar’s underside. Moments later, at 1-1, he unleashed a commanding header that struck the post.
The England international orchestrated Villa’s second goal with a powerful surge forward, deftly delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Ian Maatsen.
He showcased impressive qualities through his relentless runs, effective hold-up play, and persistent pressing throughout the match.
In the 82nd minute, Watkins left the match, with Villa leading 4-1. The atmosphere at Villa Park was electric as fans chanted his name in appreciation.
Former Aston Villa defender Dion Dublin expressed his feelings during an interview with BBC Match of the Day, stating, “I am delighted, why wouldn’t I be fuming?” His frustration is palpable. Express your thoughts candidly and share your accurate opinions with others.
Jamie Redknapp, the former Liverpool and England midfielder, praised Watkins’ performance as “dynamite,” asserting that the striker has successfully transformed a significant setback into a positive outcome.
He has exhibited his emotions through anger. Frustration is palpable as you find yourself in this situation, ready to confront the manager with an intensity that suggests you might take matters into your own hands. Redknapp remarked that he directed that energy appropriately.
Watkins has made history by becoming the first player from Aston Villa to net 15 or more goals in three successive Premier League seasons.
Since the beginning of the previous season, he has recorded both goals and assists in eight Premier League matches, a feat matched only by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah on more occasions.
