Aston Villa missed a trick cashing in on Ollie Watkins in the summer after Unai Emery watched another haphazard performance from his striker in a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool.
The visitors fell to defeat on Merseyside courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch. It brought an end to a four-game winning streak and raised question marks about one of Emery's main men.
Watkins was again lacklustre, which has become a common theme this season, and has now only managed one shot on target in his last six outings. It's a worrying form from a player whom Villa priced at £75m to put off the likes of Manchester United in the summer.
The 29-year-old has long been one of the Premier League's most potent marksmen, but he's showing signs of regression. Some may argue that's also the case for Emiliano Martinez, who was at fault for Mohamed Salah's opener, but the Argentine shot-stopper has come to the rescue before tonight's defeat.
Villa Will Be Ruing Watkins Stance
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After Youtube Thumbnail - 2025-11-01T223255.127
Watkins was the subject of interest from Arsenal in the January transfer window, but the Gunners failed with a £60 million offer for the England international. Mikel Arteta opted not to return for the Villa man, a decision that has been justified by his start to the season.
Villa endured a difficult summer due to financial constraints, which saw much of their business conducted in the latter stage of the window. But a sale of Watkins would have been a massive boost economically and allowed Emery to turn to the future and rely on Donyell Malen, who has been a standout performer this season.
Villa were linked with FC Porto's Samu Aghehowa in the summer and the 21-year-old could have been an excellent Watkins replacement. The Spaniard has posted nine goals in 11 games across competitions already this season.
Samu Aghehowa celebrating after scoring for Porto
Watkins' lack of goals isn't the only problem, as he's been ineffective leading the line for the Villans. The usual domineering display was non-existent at Anfield, and his manager had seen enough by the 74th minute, bringing him off for Jadon Sancho, who at least tried his luck at goal on one occasion.
Martinez was also to blame on the night, nonsensically playing the ball to Salah as his side fell behind on the brink of half-time. But of the two, it's Watkins who has been the biggest letdown so far this season, struggling to replicate his excellent form in recent years, and perhaps that stems from a summer of uncertainty.