Ollie Watkins could break little-known Aston Villa record vs Sunderland
Aston Villa make the trip up to the Stadium of Light on Sunday as they remain on the hunt for their first Premier League win.
Villa’s poor league form unfortunately translated over to the Carabao Cup, after they were dumped out of the competition on penalties by Brentford on Tuesday, with Jadon Sancho failing to impress on his debut.
Despite this, Unai Emery’s men are the favourites against Sunderland ahead of their clash, despite the newly promoted outfit enjoying a positive start to the campaign.
Against Sunderland, Ollie Watkins has the opportunity to make himself a bit of history at Villa and break a record that many did not know existed.
Ollie Watkins has opportunity to break record shared with Gabby Agbonlahor against Sunderland
Ian Darke believes Watkins regrets staying at Villa, with the 29-year-old looking like a completely different player so far this season.
Watkins is not the only attacking member of Emery’s side to have struggled, with Morgan Rogers’ form being equally as underwhelming.
Despite this, Watkins could make history for Villa if he can grab a goal or an assist against Sunderland.
The England international is tied with Agbonlahor for the most goal contributions against promoted sides in the Premier League.
- Agbonlahor has 14 goals and six assists against newly promoted sides
- Watkins has 10 goals and 10 assists against newly promoted sides
- Either a goal or an assist against Sunderland would see Watkins break the record, with 21 goal contributions
Considering Villa’s poor start to the season, they ideally need Watkins to break this record in order to get them back on track.
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Aston Villa may regret not selling Ollie Watkins
Watkins has been criticised by some of the Villa fanbase this season, with the striker even being accused of not looking interested by some.
If his poor form continues, Monchi and Co. may regret not cashing in on their man over the summer, whilst his value was at its highest.
After all the good work Emery has done in B6, it would be a tragedy if the Spaniard lost his job because some of the key players he played a vital role in developing were no longer fully committed to Villa.
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