Aston Villa struggles as Ollie Watkins remains goalless this season

Ollie Watkins has struggled to find the back of the net this season, with his last Premier League goal dating back to mid-April against Arsenal. Despite his lack of scoring, Aston Villa has managed to secure victories, including a recent 2-1 win over Leicester, where Watkins missed several chances. Manager Unai Emery remains unconcerned about Watkins' form, attributing it to the natural ebb and flow of a player's performance. Captain John McGinn noted that many players, including Watkins, are still adjusting after their summer commitments with England, suggesting that this may have impacted their preseason preparation. McGinn expressed confidence that Watkins will soon regain his scoring touch, emphasizing the importance of finding rhythm in the game. Meanwhile, Villa has a promising alternative in Jhon Duran, who has been in excellent form and is putting pressure on Watkins for a starting position. Duran's commitment and attitude have impressed both teammates and coaching staff, indicating that he is ready to seize opportunities as they arise. The club's efforts to retain Duran during a summer of interest from other teams have proven beneficial, as he continues to develop and contribute positively to the squad. As the season progresses, the expectation is that Watkins will return to form, and Villa will benefit from both his and Duran's contributions on the pitch.