Ollie Watkins
AVLEngland
Right
Dec 30, 1995
30
5'11"
165 lb
CF
--
Poacher
VillaScores in win
Watkins scored one goal to go with five shots (two on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 victory over West Ham United.
Analysis: Watkins recorded one of the two goals scored for Aston Villa on Sunday, getting two shots on target with one key pass and a tackle won. He's recorded two goals in the last eight appearances, totaling nine shots on target, five shots on target and six tackles won in that span.
In starting squad Saturday
Watkins (hamstring) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Watkins returns to the starting squad for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth after missing last week with a minor injury and resuming full training. The forward has started 20 of his 23 appearances this season while recording eight goals and steps straight back into his usual role.
Will return Saturday
Watkins (hamstring) is an option for Saturday's match against Bournemouth, according to manager Unai Emery. "Yes, normally yes. He rested last week because he had a small injury and he was not ready to play. But this week progressively he was joining us, training normally, and today he trained normally."
Analysis: Watkins was out due to a small injury last week and is not set to return, with the forward now training normally. The forward will be expected to return to a stating role, starting in 20 of his 23 appearances this season while recording eight goals. However, he will have to be weary of their spot after signing Tammy Abraham, who started in his place last outing.
Missing Sunday
Watkins (hamstring) is out for Sunday's match against Brentford.
Analysis: Watkins is not with his team after he was a late call, with the forward not fit enough to play through the hamstring injury. This gives Tammy Abraham his first start for the club as they await the return of their regular starter, a likely replacement moving forward.
Late call to face Bees
Watkins (hamstring) is a late call for Sunday's match against Brentford, according to manager Unai Emery. "Watkins, we will see tomorrow. Today he had a scan, and it's not a clear injury. He was tired yesterday, and the scan is not giving us bad information. We will see tomorrow if he's not feeling comfortable or if he's feeling comfortable to decide to be with us on Sunday."
Analysis: Watkins had to come off early Thursday, but it appeared to be due to lack of fitness, with a scan revealing nothing of concern. That said, the forward is still set for further testing, with that to decide if he is an option for Sunday. If fit, the forward is likely to eye a return to his starting role, with Tammy Abraham possibly getting his first chance with the club since his transfer if Watkins is not fit for the start.
Forced off Thursday
Watkins left Thursday's Europa League clash against Red Bull Salzburg due to a suspected hamstring injury. After the game, manager Unai Emery said "He felt something, but not a lot. We will test him. Hopefully, we are thinking that is not a lot. I don't know if he will be available for Sunday.", per John Townley of Birmingham Live.
Analysis: Watkins played 35 minutes before picking up a potential issue during his fourth consecutive start in all competitions. The striker will now need to be assessed prior to the upcoming game against his former club Brentford. Morgan Rogers took his place in the UEL match and could be deployed as a No. 9 if Watkins' problem is significant, though new signing Tammy Abraham could also be deployed immediately in league play.
Scores late goal to secure 2-0 win
Watkins scored one goal to go with four shots (three on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-0 win over Newcastle United.
Analysis: Watkins scored his eighth Premier League goal this season. He hadn't scored in two games before this, but scored four in the three games before that. He has attempted four or more shots seven times this season, with this only being the third time he has put three on target. Of the seven games in which he has taken four shots or more, six have been away from home.
Denied by post
Watkins generated four shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 0-0 draw versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Watkins entered the match in strong form after scoring four goals in his previous three games from 11 attempts and continued to threaten, taking four shots. He was unlucky not to score, striking the post with a header and missing a one-on-one opportunity against Dean Henderson.
Scores in win
Watkins scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Watkins buried a shot from outside the box, assisted by Morgan Rogers early in first-half extra time. This marked the third straight game with a goal for Watkins, who is up to seven through 20 appearances on the season. Additionally, he is up to 11 shots and seven shots on target over the last three games but on the other hand, he has not recorded double digits in completed passes in six straight league outings.
Scores late goal
Watkins scored one goal to go with five shots (one on goal) in Tuesday's 4-1 loss to Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 97th minute.
Analysis: Watkins did put a goal in during stoppage time but the damage was already done. The forward struggled to put his shots on target but he should have better luck if he maintains this volume against Nottingham Forest Saturday. The side has conceded 30 goals in 19 domestic games.
Nets two for the win
Watkins scored two goals to go with four shots (four on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
Analysis: Watkins turned in his second two-goal game of the season, as he netted the first with an unassisted shot from the center of the box in the 63rd minute, and the second off a cross from Youri Tielemans in the 84th. Watkins Is now up to five goals on the season, with four of them coming in the last five games. He has totaled 13 shots and nine on target through that span.
Assists winner Sunday
Watkins assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Manchester United.
Analysis: Watkins set up Morgan Rogers' match-winning goal in the 57th minute Sunday, marking his first assist of the season. It was the only chance he created in the match, and he only took one off-target shot, but that lack of production is forgiven for helping win the match. Over the last three seasons Watkins has recorded 77 goal contributions (50 goals and 27 assists) across 112 Premier League appearances, but this season he has just four through 17 matches, and he also hasn't recorded any in six Europa League appearances. He has reportedly been dealing with some pain in his knee which could explain this extended run of poor form, but this level of a drop off still seems unfathomable. However, he now has three goal contributions over his last four appearances, so maybe he's finally rediscovering his form.
Cannot score a goal despite volume
Watkins generated four shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 win over Arsenal.
Analysis: The forward had four shots and did put a few on target but did not do enough to beat David Raya in goal. Watkins might have better luck against FC Basel in UEL action, though the side has only conceded seven goals in five UEL matches.
Scores brace in victory
Watkins scored two goals to go with four shots (three on goal) and two chances created in Wednesday's 4-3 win against Brighton.
Analysis: Watkins dragged Villa back into the game with a brace before half-time, first netting an assist from Evann Guessand to make it 2-1, then finishing calmly in stoppage time of the first half after racing onto Morgan Rogers' long pass in transition. The brace ended an 11-game goal drought across all competitions for the striker and took his tally to nine career goals against Brighton. He remained a constant threat in the frontline, contributing season highs with four shots and two chances created. Watkins proved in that performance that he could still perform at his highest level despite dealing with knee pain this campaign.
Carefully managed due to knee pain
Watkins is playing with pain to his knee and is carefully managed by the staff throughout the season, coach Unai Emery said to the media, according to the Birmingham Mail. "He's keeping a small pain in his knee since last year when we started the season in August. He was feeling more or less the same pain he's feeling now. He's not feeling the 100 per cent - we are trying to manage it with him. We are trying to get him completely without pain - and through this, to feel better again, and having the confidence to score goals. For example, yesterday he did not train, we kept him inside, only with the physios. But he will be available for tomorrow. We are trying to get some moments of rest for him. He won't have surgery, for this pain he needs rest."
Analysis: Watkins has been underperforming this campaign, scoring only one goal in 18 appearances across all competitions, probably due to the knee pain he has been carrying since last year. The striker is carefully managed by the staff and doesn't always train with the team in order to work individually with the physios. His pain doesn't require any type of surgery but Watkins has to rest often in order to avoid a more serious issue. The Englishman might see limited minutes moving forward until reaching full fitness, highlighted by his two appearances off the bench in the last two games of Villa. If Watkins can't start a game, Donyell Malen now seems the likely option to lead the frontline of the Villains.
Struggling again
Watkins generated three shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 win against Leeds United.
Analysis: Watkins has been struggling to find his last season's form, scoring only once across 12 league appearances and going nine straight games without a goal. In those appearances, he managed 20 shots and created seven chances.
Two shots, no goal
Watkins had two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Manchester City.
Analysis: Watkins was on the field for most of Sunday's match and played a nuisance to the City team with his high press despite only firing off two shots and not finding the back of the net. That said, the forward has gone five appearances in all competitions with no goals, remaining at one in league play this season (nine appearances). He will hope to add to that soon, working towards his 16 from last campaign.
Fit moving forward
Watkins (leg) is an option for Sunday's match against Tottenham, according to manager Unai Emery. "Tomorrow we will train again, and normally he will be ready for Sunday."
Analysis: Watkins had to withdraw from the England national team but is back in contention for the club, as the forward is back training with his club ahead of Sunday's contest. He will now look to earn the start immediately now that he is deemed fit, starting in eight of his nine appearances this season while bagging one goal on 15 shots.
Withdraws from England squad
Watkins (leg) was withdrawn from the England squad and returned to Aston Villa after picking up an injury during Thursday's victory against Wales. According to manager Thomas Tuchel, "It was very, very painful, but as I understand it now, it's only painful, so no harm done."
Analysis: Watkins suffered an apparent leg injury after missing an open goal and hitting the post in Thursday's win over Wales. The striker appeared fine after the game as he mentioned to the media but has ultimately withdrawn from the England squad for the rest of the international break. Watkins will be assessed once back with Aston Villa and hopes to recover in time for the clash against Spurs on Sunday. If he has to miss some time, Evann Guessand and Donyell Malen could start in the striker role against Tottenham.
Doing fine after collision
Watkins (leg) suffered a collision with the post after missing a clear chance in Thursday's 3-0 victory against Wales but is doing fine after the incident, both the player on Instagram and coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed, according to the Birmingham Mail. "He's ok. It was a clear goal normally for him but unfortunately he saw the ball too late and couldn't score and crashed into the post. It was very, very painful, but as I understood it now it's only painful so no harm done."
Analysis: Watkins scored one goal for the Three Lions in the first half of Thursday's game against Wales before missing an open chance later in the half when he hit the post. The striker was in significant pain but a severe injury has been ruled out, although he was forced off at halftime by coach Thomas Tuchel. Watkins is expected to be back available for the trip to Tottenham on Oct. 19 if no further issues arise from that incident.
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