Aston Villa ‘cannot afford’ Watkins exit — 3 things learned in win v Bournemouth
Aston Villa beat Bournemouth 1-0 in the Premier League on Saturday as Ollie Watkins broke Gabby Agbonlahor’s goalscoring record.
The Vitality Stadium hosted Unai Emery’s team on 10 May, with the England international giving the visitors the lead right before the break.
With Champions League qualification the aim at Villa Park, a win against the Cherries could prove vital as Manchester City dropped points against Southampton hours earlier.
With Tyrone Mings also making a return to the starting lineup, here are three things learned against Andoni Iraola’s side.
Aston Villa can’t afford Watkins exit in upcoming transfer window
Marcus Rashford replaced Watkins before the Manchester United loanee’s injury, and the centre-forward made his discontent known publicly.
The 29-year-old striker has been a reliable outlet for the Villans over the years, but Emery has undoubtedly made him unhappy.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 36 | 16 | 7 |
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Englishman wanting to leave the Lions in the upcoming transfer window after how he’s been treated.
If Watkins does depart in the coming months, he’ll leave as the Birmingham outfit’s leading goalscorer in the Premier League after breaking Agbonlahor’s record of 74 goals.
Mings reliable defensive option for Emery
Mings has come a long way to reestablish himself in the first-team setup at Villa Park.
While Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa have been the preferred centre-back pairing this season, the 32-year-old Englishman has impressed whenever he’s been called upon.
The defender may not be Emery’s preferred option at the Villans, but he could still be a reliable backup option no matter what happens in the season’s final stretch.
Villa will once again need a solid squad next season, with Europa League or Conference League football almost certain.
Champions League hopes alive after Villa win v Bournemouth
Emery’s team’s Champions League hopes are still alive after beating Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
The Villans are sixth with 63 points, level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle United, who have a game in hand.
Tottenham are up next for the Lions in the Premier League, and the North London outfit will arguably have one eye on the Europa League final on 21 May.
Manchester United will host the Birmingham club in the final league game of the campaign, with Old Trafford welcoming them after playing against Spurs in Bilbao.
Supporters will hope the Lions have a perfect end and the teams around them drop enough points in the table.