Aston Villa Ollie Watkins Unai Emery
(credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Thu 13 March 2025 18:40, UK
Ollie Watkins was hooked at half time during the Aston Villa win against Club Brugge on Wednesday night.
The England international started the clash against the Belgian outfit but failed to get on the scoresheet before being removed during the interval.
The Villans went on to secure a 3-0 win thanks to a deflected Ian Maatsen strike and another Marco Asensio brace at the Holte End.
Although a 6-1 aggregate win will be exactly what Emery wanted, the performance of his striker won’t go unnoticed in B6.
Ollie Watkins
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins [Credit: Imago]
Watkins struggles for Aston Villa v Club Brugge
It is fair to say that it was far from a dream night’s work for the 29-year-old who struggled for 45 minutes before being taken off.
This saw the striker register just one shot but that one came from the halfway line and was easily collected by Simon Mignolet.
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This summed up his performance on the night which saw him fail to complete a dribble in a zero per cent completion rate while also being caught offside once [FotMob].
Despite typically being useful defending from the front, this wasn’t the case against Brugge as Watkins failed to complete a defensive action and also lost two duels.
This lack of output prompted Emery to hook the Englishman when he appeared to pick up an issue towards the end of the first half.
This gave Rashford the chance to show his abilities as a striker and it is safe to say he took that chance despite not scoring on the night.
The 27-year-old kept up a 96 per cent pass accuracy while also completing one dribble and getting two shots away at Villa Park.
Grabbing an assist was also added to by a defensively positive performance which saw him register three defensive actions and 3 victorious duels.
Given how positive the Manchester United loanee was in the number nine role, it is fair to say Emery has a decision to make moving forward.
Marcus Rashford
Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford (Credit: Imago)
Rashford outshines Watkins v Club Brugge
A goal is coming for the winter signing, especially if he continues to work as hard as he has in his opening nine games in claret and blue.
The England international once again showed his class, this time in the Champions League, and had a telling impact on a heavy win.
Games played Assists Minutes per assist
Marcus Rashford 9 4 115.25
Marcus Rashford assist stats
If Rashford can maintain this level of performance as both a winger and as a striker, there is every chance he could take Watkins’ place in the side.
This could allow room for the likes of Jacob Ramsey or Asensio in the starting 11, with the latter scoring another two at Villa Park against Brugge.
Villa fans will now await upcoming fixtures against Preston and Brighton to see how he welcomes back the striker after a disappointing night in B6.
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