Emery Backs Watkins to Find Goal-Scoring Touch as Villa Chase Champions League Dream
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery remains steadfast in his belief that striker Ollie Watkins can rediscover his prolific form, a crucial element in the club’s ambitious pursuit of a Champions League spot next season. Despite a season where Watkins has, at times, appeared to be searching for his peak performance, he has still managed to net eight goals in the Premier League.
However, the landscape at Villa Park has shifted with the impressive return of Tammy Abraham. Abraham’s strong start to his second stint with the club has undoubtedly placed added pressure on Watkins’ starting position, particularly with the upcoming Friday fixture against Wolves, the current bottom club in the Premier League.
While Emery has shown flexibility in his striker choices in the past, notably opting for Jhon Duran and Marcus Rashford over Watkins at different junctures last season, his backing for the 30-year-old forward this term has been unwavering.
“There are still matches to play, and I believe he will achieve his objective, scoring goals and adding more assists,” Emery stated, expressing confidence in Watkins’ ability to deliver. “We have enough matches to play. Our challenges are collective, but the players must get them by producing individual numbers for the team.”
Emery elaborated on his respect for both his striking options, highlighting their quality. “I have massive respect for Ollie Watkins and massive respect for Tammy Abraham. They are both fantastic strikers.” He emphasised the collective responsibility and the need for focus regardless of who takes to the field. “Whoever plays tomorrow (Friday), or if they play together, they must perform and focus on our gameplan to achieve three points.”
The manager also stressed the club’s commitment to fostering an environment that encourages offensive output. “Our challenge is to help our offensive players score more goals. It’s not only about them. It’s about the structure we have, to help them to feel comfortable and confident, and create more in the attacking third.”
A Molineux Minefield? Emery Warns Against Complacency Against Wolves
Beyond the internal competition for striking berths, Emery issued a stern warning to his Aston Villa squad: complacency must be avoided when facing Wolves, the Premier League’s basement dwellers. This caution stems from Emery’s own personal struggles at Molineux, the venue for Friday’s clash.
The Spanish tactician has an unenviable record at the Wolves home ground, having never secured a victory there during his managerial tenures with both Arsenal and Aston Villa. In his four visits to Molineux as a manager, Emery has suffered three defeats and managed only one draw.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Emery recalled: “We’ve been together three-and-a-half years, and we’ve drawn twice at Molineux and lost once. When I was at Arsenal, we were 3-0 down at half-time (before losing 3-1).”
His assessment of Wolves’ recent performances further underscores the potential threat they pose. “We beat them 1-0 earlier in the season, and we didn’t deserve to win. They’ve lost some other games, against Chelsea and Bournemouth, where they haven’t deserved to lose.” He pointed to their impressive draw in their last home outing as a testament to their capabilities. “In their last home game, they drew with Arsenal, the best team in the Premier League and maybe the world.”
Emery concluded by reiterating the importance of vigilance. “Everything we have analysed makes us feel it is not an easy game, and it’s also a derby. They will want to show what they can do in front of their own fans.” This derby atmosphere, combined with Wolves’ desire to prove themselves, adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging away fixture for Aston Villa.
