Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday may have masked the ongoing struggles of striker Ollie Watkins, who has now gone eight league matches without scoring. Despite notching four assists in that time, including one against Leicester, Watkins’ drought in front of goal is a concern for manager Unai Emery.
Former England international Chris Waddle expressed his concerns about Watkins’ form, saying, “I don’t think Watkins is up to the pace he was at last season. He looks as if he’s struggling, I don’t know if it’s fitness.”
With Jhon Duran impressing off the bench and scoring the winning goal, Emery may be forced to consider dropping Watkins for the upcoming match against Everton. Duran’s substitute performance could condemn Watkins to a spot on the bench, especially given his struggles in front of goal.
Watkins’ statistics against Leicester were underwhelming, with just 13 touches, 50% of his shots on target, and a 40% success rate in ground duels. His inability to make an impact against a low-block Leicester team will only add to Emery’s concerns.
While dropping Watkins would be a significant gamble, Emery may see it as a necessary change to reignite his team’s attacking spark. With Duran waiting in the wings, the manager has options to choose from, and Watkins’ continued struggles may force his hand.
Moreover, Watkins’ form has been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits alike, with many questioning his ability to lead the line for Aston Villa. His lack of goals and overall impact on the game has raised concerns about his suitability for the role.
On the other hand, Duran’s emergence as a viable alternative has given Emery a welcome selection headache. The Colombian’s pace, skill, and finishing ability make him an attractive option to lead the line, and his performance against Leicester only added to his growing reputation.
As Aston Villa prepare to face Everton, Emery will be weighing up his options carefully. With Watkins’ form showing no signs of improvement, the manager may be forced to make a tough decision to drop his star striker and give Duran the chance to shine.