Unai Emery has thrown his full support behind Ollie Watkins, insisting the striker’s dip in goals is not down to a loss of ability — but rather tactical structure and chance creation.
With the business end of the season approaching, Aston Villa remain firmly in the hunt for a strong league finish. Yet Watkins’ numbers have prompted debate.
The 30-year-old has scored eight goals in 38 appearances across all competitions this season, finding the net in just six matches. He has also registered only one assist — a sharp contrast to the 21 he tallied across the previous two campaigns.
For Emery, however, the issue is collective, not individual.
Emery: “The Responsibility Is Mine”
Speaking ahead of Villa’s upcoming fixture, Emery was clear: strikers do not operate in isolation.
“It is not only the striker’s responsibility to score goals,” he said. “Watkins showed his capacity to score goals for a long time and Tammy as well. We must help them. The responsibility is mine, how we can get better offensively.”
The Spaniard emphasized structure, confidence, and tactical balance as key factors behind the reduced output.
“Our challenge is how we can help our offensive players to create better chances or more attacking options to score goals,” Emery explained. “It is about the structure we have and how we can help them feel comfortable.”
Villa have been strong defensively, conceding fewer chances in recent weeks — something Emery praised. But he admitted that defensive stability alone is not enough.
“In the balance, we can feel good. But it is not enough.”
Tammy Abraham Adds Competition
Watkins’ place in the starting XI has come under increased scrutiny following the January return of Tammy Abraham, who rejoined Villa in an £18 million move from Besiktas.
Emery was careful to stress his respect for both forwards.
“I have massive respect for Ollie Watkins and massive respect for Tammy Abraham. They are both fantastic strikers.”
The possibility of rotating the pair — or even deploying them together — gives Villa tactical flexibility. But it also raises questions about rhythm and confidence for Watkins, who has been Villa’s focal point for several seasons.
A Matter of Time?
Despite the modest numbers, Emery remains convinced Watkins will rediscover his edge before the campaign concludes.
“There are still matches to play. I believe he will achieve his objective scoring goals and adding more assists. I believe in it.”
The data suggests Villa’s attacking structure has shifted slightly this season. While defensive organization has improved, chance volume in the final third has not always matched previous campaigns. Emery referenced set-pieces, duels, combination play, and individual actions as areas under ongoing analysis.
In short, Villa are searching for sharper execution rather than placing blame.
The Bigger Picture
Watkins’ record over the past few seasons proves his pedigree. He has consistently delivered double-digit goals and contributed creatively. Strikers, however, often live in cycles — confidence, supply, and tactical roles all influencing output.
With several matches still to play and European ambitions in sight, Villa will need contributions from both Watkins and Abraham.
If Emery can strike the right attacking balance without compromising the defensive solidity he has built, Watkins may yet play a decisive role in Villa’s final push.
For now, the manager’s message is clear: faith over frustration — and collective responsibility over individual criticism.