Ollie Watkins issues emerge ‘behind-the-scenes’ at Aston Villa with dressing room unhappy
Aston Villa could be facing dressing room problems due to Ollie Watkins.
Watkins was linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer, but was unable to engineer a switch from Villa Park to the Emirates Stadium.
This has ultimately coincided with the England international drawing a blank in each of the first four Premier League matches of the campaign, most recently in Villa’s draw against Everton.
It is fair to say that this lack of output has caused problems for Unai Emery and his Villa side, but there may be more to the story.
This comes as issues appear to be taking over the dressing room at Bodymoor Heath, potentially stemming from Watkins’ transfer mishap.
This article contains exclusive comments given to Villa News by ex-Premier League midfielder Martin Allen.
Ollie Watkins causing unrest at Aston Villa
Ian Darke believes Watkins regrets staying at Villa, and that is something that has been showcased in his performances so far this season.
There has been very little positivity to speak of from the 29-year-old, who has been quiet in every appearance to begin the year in claret and blue.
| Stat per 90 (Premier League 25/26) | Ollie Watkins |
| Expected goals | 0.28 |
| Expected assists | 0.04 |
| Shots on target | 0.51 |
| Touches | 24.99 |
| Duels won | 3.82 |
It appears that this could be down to unrest after a failed move to link up with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, the team who Watkins professes to support.
This has seen Allen share a look behind the curtain at Villa Park, suggesting that the striker is causing problems for Emery and Co. in the dressing room.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Allen said: “What can happen after you’ve had a massive peak, which Aston Villa have had, people can get complacent.
“They can feel like they belong at that level and start to think that it’s normal, and stop doing the things that made them successful.
“Villa need a kick up the backside and a sharpening up in their attitude and desire.
“There is also an issue behind the scenes with Ollie Watkins, who was linked to Arsenal, and he wanted to go. When that happens, unhappy players can cause problems for the dressing room.
“Watkins has drifted away from the player that he was at Villa, and they will miss the goals that he brings.
“Unai Emery has a real tough job on his hands to turn things around.“
Aston Villa can’t pander to Ollie Watkins
There is no reason for true positivity at Villa Park right now, and any attitude and annoyance from Watkins is far from needed.
In a World Cup year, Watkins has to step up and prove to Thomas Tuchel why he should be included in his squad for the tournament in America.
At the moment, he is failing to do that, and at the moment, I don’t see how he turns it around if he continues to perform at his current level.
He and Morgan Rogers have been hugely disappointing, and both could potentially benefit from a spell on the bench.
This could see players who actually want to be at Villa, like Donyell Malen and Evann Guessand, have the chance to shine ahead of the faltering duo.
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