Unai Emery sees hope for Ollie Watkins despite goal drought
Unai Emery reckons Ollie Watkins can take confidence from last week’s performance against Chelsea despite the striker’s goal drought extending to seven matches.
The England international, who has netted just once in his last 12 appearances, saw an effort ruled out by a marginal VAR offside call, while also being denied on three other occasions by visiting goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen in Villa’s 4-1 defeat.
Watkins has continued to start matches despite new signing Tammy Abraham having scored twice since joining from Besiktas in January.
Though the goal remained elusive, Emery felt the Chelsea display was a step forward for his long-time talisman.
“He (Watkins) was feeling better on Wednesday,” said Emery. “It is something which can give us confidence and of course him too.
“Tammy Abraham had one chance when he hit the bar. He played 20 minutes and we need both of them.
“We need to get the confidence into their performance through our structure, tactically and individually.”
Emery, who has seen his team win just one of their last seven matches in all competitions, has spent the past few days analysing recent matches to try and find the answer to their floundering form.
Villa return to action when they visit Lille on Thursday for the first leg of a last-16 Europa League tie.
Emery said: “Now is the type to deeply analyse and watch, the match we played on Wednesday, the match we played against Wolves and the match we played against Leeds. The recent matches we played.”
