Ollie Watkins ‘not happy to sit on Aston Villa bench’
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has expressed his frustration at his recent spell on the bench despite making a significant impact after coming on as a substitute in their 3-0 victory against Southampton.
Watkins won a penalty and scored the opening goal, which contributed to Villa’s continued push for a Champions League spot.
The England striker, who has been dealing with a knee issue, has started just one of Villa’s last five matches. However, his impressive 25-minute performance at St Mary’s could influence manager Unai Emery’s selection for the crucial Champions League second leg against Paris St Germain on Tuesday.
Watkins’s goal, scored seven minutes after replacing Marcus Rashford, showcased his skill and instinct. He expertly reached a long ball from Youri Tielemans, lifting it over Aaron Ramsdale.
Despite his impactful contribution, Watkins admitted his dissatisfaction with his current substitute role. “For me, I’m not happy to sit on the bench,” he stated. “It’s disappointing every game that I’m on the bench, but it’s the manager’s decision at the end of the day.”
It was a goal which put the 29-year-old on 73 Premier League goals, just one behind Gabby Agbonlahor’s Villa record.
“Obviously the ball from Youri was executed perfectly,” added Watkins. “The importance of it, it keeps us in the fight for the Champions League.
“The timing of the goal, coming off the bench, not being in the starting line-up – disappointed to not play – when you put all that into consideration, I’m happy to score.
“Am I aware of the record? Of course I am. That is why I wanted to take the penalty as well. To equal it, then one more to get the record.
“Two more to beat it. I am thinking of breaking it. I will do it at some point and I’m looking forward to that day.”
Attention now turns to Tuesday and the visit of PSG, with Villa looking to overturn a 3-1 deficit at Villa Park for a place in the semi-finals.
“It’s going to be huge,” said Watkins. “Villa Park, an unbelievable atmosphere.
“At the end of the day we have got nothing to lose. Playing against a top team in Europe. We have to leave it all out on the pitch and have faith that we can do it.”
It was a day to forget on the south coast for Marco Asensio, who missed two penalties, with Ramsdale guessing correctly both times.
John McGinn tucked in the rebound from the second attempt, after Donyell Malen had put Villa two up.
Southampton were mathematically relegated last weekend and the remainder of their season revolves around trying to get two more points to beat Derby’s record low tally of 11.
“I think that is the mentality,” said on-loan Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.
“We just need to play without fear. We still have our minds not to be the worst team in the Premier League. That is probably the only thing we are thinking about.”
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