Ollie Watkins Aston Villa
Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins has been in remarkable form, scoring his fourth goal in three matches during the recent victory over Nottingham Forest. This surge in performance has seen Watkins net seven league goals this season, silencing critics who previously questioned his place in the starting lineup. The England international has matched the league’s joint-most goals since December, showcasing his consistent ability to find the back of the net.
Ollie Watkins said: “I always go on these little runs, as people may call it. We still have a lot of games to go. I always get into double figures for the season but 20 goals is always the target and I believe I can do that. I just want to keep pushing on.”
Watkins added: “Obviously I had a slow start. If I’d had the kind of start I had two seasons ago, who knows what position we would be in now? But that has been and gone. I can only look at what is in front of me and there is a lot of football to be played, a lot of opportunities to score goals so I am confident in my ability and the team. With the players around me, I am always going to get chances so I can score that amount of goals.”
Watkins also commented on his milestone: “It is a nice milestone to get to. To play 250 games for such a massive club is a big achievement. To be in this position and score on the milestone is something I am proud of achieving.”
Watkins’ recent performances have not only been crucial for his personal statistics but also for Aston Villa’s campaign. His ability to score consistently has provided a significant boost to the team’s attacking options. The forward’s confidence in reaching the 20-goal mark this season is backed by his belief in the quality of his teammates, who he credits for providing him with scoring opportunities.
The match against Nottingham Forest was not without its challenges. Watkins acknowledged the difficulty of the first half, where Villa struggled to create chances. However, his goal-scoring prowess and determination have been pivotal in overcoming such hurdles. His 250th appearance for the club marks a significant milestone, one that only a few players like John McGinn and Ezri Konsa have achieved at Villa.
Watkins’ form will be crucial as Aston Villa aims to maintain their competitive edge in the league. His goal-scoring target of 20 goals is ambitious but achievable, given his current trajectory and the support from his teammates. As the season progresses, Watkins’ performances will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, as he continues to make his mark in the Premier League.