Lee Hendrie stunned by what Ollie Watkins did in Aston Villa win v Leicester
Lee Hendrie was wowed by Ollie Watkins after nearly setting up Emi Buendia for Aston Villa against Leicester City on Saturday.
The Villans secured three points at Villa Park on 4 January as Leon Bailey scored his first goal of the season to put the home side ahead late on.
Unai Emery’s side narrowly saw out a much-needed 2-1 win but could have been home and dry if the Argentine substitute had netted a third goal.
Despite Buendia’s miss, former Villa ace Hendrie was full of praise for Watkins on Optus Sport after his work to nearly pick up an assist.
He said: “It’s brilliant from Ollie Watkins, he just shrugs away, gets on with things. Really and truly Buendia should be doing better.”
Lee Hendrie lauds Ollie Watkins in Aston Villa v Leicester City
The England international missed a guilt-edged chance in the second half in a performance which somewhat summed up his season so far.
His lung-busting run and strength to get past Luke Thomas before delivering an excellent pass to Buendia was only let down by the substitute’s finish.
If that same level of quality from the 29-year-old had been shown when the ball fell to him six yards out, it could have been a much easier win for the Villans.
This is the frustration with the former Brentford man who has been largely inconsistent this season, which has allowed Jhon Duran to thrive.
The Colombia international is just one game from returning from his suspension and it will be interesting to see what Emery does with his two main strikers when they are both available once again.
Watkins gave a good and bad account of himself against Leicester which may not serve him well in the coming weeks and months.
In other Aston Villa news, Diego Carlos conditions have been received ahead of a potential January exit.
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