Unai Emery makes Ollie Watkins stance clear as Aston Villa goal drought continues
Unai Emery discusses Ollie Watkins in the latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive following the team’s thrilling victory over Crystal Palace at Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins’ goal drought extended on Saturday as Aston Villa defeated Crystal Palace 3-1, but Unai Emery is certain that the striker will soon resume scoring.
Before halftime, Watkins had a good chance to give his team the lead, but he missed a one-on-one with Sam Johnstone. Later, as Villa tried to equalize, Watkins struck the post.
Substitute Jhon Duran restored parity for the hosts with a stunning strike in front of the Holte End, before Douglas Luiz scored a penalty on the 98th minute and Leon Bailey added a third in the 11th minute of added time
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After failing to find the net against Palace, Watkins has now scored just one goal in his last 12 Premier League appearances, and is yet to open his account for the league campaign. Watkins did net a hat-trick in the 5-0 win over Hibernian in the Europa Conference League play-off last month, and Emery is backing his striker to breal his duck in front of goal in the league.
“He’s strong in his mind, his mentality is amazing on the training ground, going there every day to learn and practice,” Emery said to BBC WM. He scored three goals for Hibernian but none in the Premier League.
He had three very good opportunities at Burnley, but the goalie stopped them all. He had two excellent opportunities, but the goalkeeper made a save.
“He works every day and I like him. He will score goals because his natruality as a striker is to score. We are going to help him and I am very happy with him.