Ollie Watkins Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins recently opened up about the challenges he faced during a goal drought that had been affecting his performance. Before his impressive brace against Brighton, Watkins had struggled to find the back of the net, scoring only once in 19 appearances. The striker’s form had been under scrutiny, especially after being left out of the England squad for recent international fixtures.
Ollie Watkins said: “It’s the best feeling to score a goal and that’s my job. It’s been a while without that feeling. It’s been a tricky period in my career. I’ve not had this since the manager came in but I kept working hard and you get your rewards. Just a bit of relief, really. I had a difficult run and it’s nice to put that behind me. We started the game slowly but to react like that is nice.”
Watkins added: “His voice was basically gone. He’s so passionate and that’s why we’re doing so well. I always find myself playing regularly in the team. So to go a prolonged period without scoring and doing that, it does affect you. You get your rewards in the end and now I can put that behind me and keep looking forward. We’re in an amazing place.”
Watkins’ performance against Brighton was a turning point, as he scored twice before halftime. Amadou Onana and Donyell Malen also contributed to Aston Villa’s 4-1 victory, with Jan Paul van Hecke scoring a consolation goal for Brighton. The win was secured by a crucial late save from Marco Bizot, denying Danny Welbeck in added time.
Unai Emery, the Aston Villa manager, had previously revealed that Watkins had been dealing with knee pain, which might have contributed to his lack of goals. Despite these challenges, Watkins remained a regular starter under Emery, who is known for his passionate approach to management. The striker’s return to form is a positive sign for Villa, who continue to perform strongly in the league.
Watkins’ remarks reflect a sense of relief and renewed confidence as he looks forward to maintaining his scoring momentum. His recent performance not only alleviates personal pressure but also strengthens Aston Villa’s attacking options as they aim for continued success in the Premier League.
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