Ollie Watkins expresses frustration after benching
- Ollie Watkins has started four of his last five matches on the Aston Villa bench.
- He scored a goal and won a penalty in Villa's recent 3-0 victory against Southampton.
- Watkins aims to break the club's Premier League goal record, remaining focused on his performance despite bench frustrations.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with being seated on the bench in recent matches despite making notable contributions off the bench. His comments come in the wake of a significant performance in a match against Southampton where he made an impact after being substituted on. The England international came onto the field seven minutes before scoring the opening goal in a 3-0 victory for Villa, maintaining their fight for a Champions League spot. The match not only showcased his skills but also brought him closer to breaking a club record for Premier League goals. Following this performance, attention now shifts to Villa's upcoming clash with Paris Saint-Germain, where they will need to recover from a 3-1 deficit to advance to the semi-finals. Watkins mentioned the pressure he feels about the record and his desire to surpass it, noting his awareness of being just one goal shy of matching Gabby Agbonlahor's Villa record. His mixed feelings focus not only on his own performance but also on the broader team dynamics as they chase critical points in the league and seek to solidify their position in European competitions. By speaking out, Watkins not only highlights his personal aspirations but also sets the stage for a critical period in Aston Villa's season as they aim for higher success in the Premier League and beyond.