Gary Lineker details Aston Villa ‘unrest’ he’s heard despite win v Fulham
Aston Villa picked up a well-fought 1-0 victory over European rivals Fulham on Saturday.
Yori Tielemans’ sole goal helped Unai Emery’s side to quickly bounce back from their FA Cup humbling as push the club closer to European qualification.
While the Champions League now seems too far-fetched, the result should help Villa get into the Europa League.
Yet, despite this, Saturday’s game has done little to answer the growing concerns around the club, including the future of star player Ollie Watkins.
Ollie Watkins ‘causing unrest’ at Aston Villa
Watkins’ long-term future at Villa has been unclear for some months.
Ever since Marcus Rashford arrived at Villa Park in the winter transfer window, the striker has not been guaranteed to start regularly.
After he was left out of the line-up against PSG, Watkins was fuming with Emery as he missed another big game.
| Ollie Watkins’ stats this season | |
| Appearances | 51 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 13 |
Reports have suggested that Watkins now wants to leave Villa this summer as he becomes increasingly frustrated with his game time.
Now, despite starting against Fulham, Gary Lineker believes there is unrest at the club given the growing situation.
He told Match of the Day (3 May): “There has been a lot of talk of Ollie Watkins of late, and his situation. There seems to be a little bit of unrest but I don’t know.”
Alan Shearer then replied: “I would guess that because it is alright being left out of a league game now and again, but when you are left out of the biggest games of the season like against PSG, that’s when you think, ok.”
Marcus Rashford is the future of Aston Villa
It is clear that Emery prefers Rashford to Watkins and it is likely that the former star is the future of Aston Villa.
Not only is the Man United loanee younger, but he has proven that he can step up in big games.
Rashford’s performance against PSG was fantastic, and it showed why Emery picked him over Watkins.
Given the ever-growing rumours surrounding Watkins, it is hard to see the England international at Villa Park next season.
The striker has been superb for Villa for many years, but this summer seems the ideal time for both parties to part ways.
Arsenal were interested in Watkins during the January transfer window, and there is always a possibility that the London club comings back in for him.
However, whatever happens, Villa fans must remain confident in Emery that he will come to the right decision.