Ollie Watkins can find feet again v Newcastle United, ‘terrific’ Aston Villa star has struggled recently
Ollie Watkins has been outstanding for Aston Villa this season, with the striker a major reason behind the club’s success.
But even a forward as talented as Watkins has struggles, with the England ace going through a difficult spell right now.
As per the official Premier League website (28 January), the 28-year-old has failed to score in his last four league matches, with just three shots on target from his 11 shots in that period.
That is in stark contrast to his first 17 matches of the campaign, with Watkins having had 21 shots on target from 50 efforts in total, resulting in nine goals.
Both total shots and shots on target per 90 have fallen in that time, from 3.02 to 2.75, and 1.27 to 0.75 respectively. His touches in the opposition box per 90 have also fallen from 6.71 to 6.50.
Pundit Adrian Clarke has, however, suggested that the “terrific” striker’s struggles have come due to Aston Villa enjoying more of the ball [official Premier League website, 28 January].
The Midlands club averaged 51.40% of possession in games which Watkins scored in, compared to 57.09% of possession in games which he hasn’t found the back of the net, as per the official Premier League website (28 January).
Watkins was given the chance to put his league struggles aside in the FA Cup fourth round clash with Chelsea on Friday (26 January), but the striker fired another blank in the goalless draw.
He did, however, still put in a very impressive performance, with the England international registering an 82% pass success rate, with two key passes. He also helped out defensively with one clearance and one tackle [Sofascore].
Up next for Unai Emery’s men is a return to the Premier League to take on Newcastle United, with Villa Park hosting the meeting on Tuesday (29 January).
And it should be a match in which Watkins can find his feet once more, with the Magpies likely to attack their opponents rather than sitting back.
Moreover, the match comes at a good time for the hosts, with Eddie Howe currently without 10 players due to injuries and suspensions, according to Premier Injuries.
In other Aston Villa news, one Villa star produced a 100% stunner against Chelsea recently, with Mauricio Pochettino dubbing him “amazing.”
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