Agbonlahor reacts with two words as Watkins breaks his Aston Villa record
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has just written himself into the club’s history books after their victory over Bournemouth.
Villa recorded a crucial win over the Cherries as they continue to chase a top-five spot in the Premier League, and their striker proved vital yet again.
Watkins scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time, guiding in a cross from Morgan Rogers to hand Aston Villa all three points.
This was the Englishman’s 75th Premier League goal for Aston Villa, overtaking Gabby Agbonlahor’s record of 74 to lead the way, and his predecessor has now responded.
Agbonlahor congratulates Watkins on Villa record
Watkins is now Aston Villa’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League, and has taken Agbonlahor’s crown at the top of the club’s leaderboard.
It was the 29-year-old’s 16th Premier League goal of the season, despite Watkins being dropped to the bench for a while following the arrival of Marcus Rashford in January.
| Player | Premier League goals |
| 1. Watkins | 75 |
| 2. Agbonlahor | 74 |
| 3. Dwight York | 60 |
| 4. Dion Dublin | 48 |
| 5. Juan Angel | 44 |
Agbonlahor has now congratulated Watkins on his achievement, in a two-word message posted on his Instagram story.
“Congrats bro,” Agbonlahor posted in response to Watkins’ achievement.
Unai Emery needs to build around Watkins
It was a confusing few weeks for Villa as Watkins found himself on the bench as his side were eliminated from the FA Cup and Champions League and faltered in the race for the top five.
Despite performing consistently throughout the season, Unai Emery dropped Watkins in favour of Rashford, who was hit and miss during his loan spell from Manchester United.
With Rashford injured and his future unclear, Emery needs to build around Watkins to win the final few games of the season.
Watkins also has an unclear future at Villa Park, with the striker seemingly unhappy at being dropped, but Emery should continue to use him as the focal point of the attack.
If Watkins does leave this summer, there will be huge pressure on Emery and Rashford, or anyone else who replaces the 29-year-old, given that such a popular player will be departing.