Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday night was a welcome return to form for Unai Emery’s side, and one player who caught the eye with a stunning display was Ollie Watkins.
The 28-year-old striker has been in and out of the team in recent months, but his performance against Brentford was a timely reminder of his quality and importance to the Villa team. Watkins was a constant thorn in the side of the Brentford defense, using his pace and movement to cause problems and create opportunities for his teammates.
“Ollie Watkins was outstanding against Brentford,” said Emery. “He worked hard for the team and caused problems for the Brentford defense. He’s a key player for us, and we’re delighted to have him in our team.”

Watkins’ statistics from the game are a testament to his impressive display. The striker took 33 touches of the ball, 13 of which came inside the Brentford penalty area. He also had five shots on goal, with 80% of them on target.
But it was not just his attacking prowess that caught the eye. Watkins also put in a shift defensively, winning six duels and maintaining a 100% aerial win rate. His work rate and dedication were evident throughout the game, and he was a key factor in Villa’s victory.
“Ollie Watkins is a talented striker who has a lot to offer,” said England manager Gareth Southgate. “He’s got a great attitude and work rate, and he’s always looking to improve. We’ll be keeping a close eye on him in the coming weeks.”
Watkins’ performance against Brentford will have also done his confidence no harm. The striker had scored just one goal in his previous eight games in all competitions, but his display against Brentford will have given him a much-needed boost.
“Ollie Watkins is a key player for us, and we’re delighted to have him back to his best,” said Emery. “He’s working hard in training and it’s paying off on the pitch. We’re confident that he’ll continue to score goals and help us climb the table.”
The victory over Brentford was a much-needed win for Villa, who had been struggling to find consistency in recent weeks. But with Watkins back to his best, the team will be confident of picking up more wins in the coming weeks and climbing the table.
“Ollie Watkins is a game-changer for us,” said Villa midfielder, John McGinn. “He’s a top-class striker who can cause problems for any defense. We’re delighted to have him in our team, and we know that he’ll continue to score goals and help us win games.”
In conclusion, Ollie Watkins’ stunning display against Brentford was a timely reminder of his quality and importance to the Aston Villa team. His work rate, dedication, and attacking prowess make him a vital cog in Emery’s machine, and his performance against Brentford will have done his confidence no harm. With England manager Gareth Southgate also taking notice, Watkins’ future looks bright.