Aston Villa enjoyed a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Boxing Day and Ollie Watkins won praise from many supporters on social media for his performance.
The 24-year-old did everything but score at Villa Park and had a hand in all three goals. His first half effort was parried to Bertrand Traore who finished from close range. Kortney Hause’s second half goal came from Watkins hitting the bar from a header and the ex-Brentford striker later laid the ball on to Anwar El Ghazi, who rifled home from a difficult angle to round off the scoring. [avfc.co.uk]
He played for 90 minutes yesterday, had 38 touches, won seven aerial duels, completed 16 of his 20 passes, created three chances, had 10 shots (three on target) and whipped in one accurate cross (WhoScored).
Watkins has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Villa since joining on a five-year deal from Brentford for £27.72m in September, scoring eight goals and supplying two assists (Transfermarkt).
He is without a goal in his last six Premier League games and could have done better with a number of opportunities against Palace, but his forward play was exemplary. Watkins was industrious and selfless, leading the line on his own for 10-man Villa and deserving all the praise he received from these fans on Twitter, one of whom described him as “different class”:
For me, that was our best performance of the season given the context. So much character and excellent game management. Watkins was outstanding 2nd half. Special mention for Targett too. UTV. #AVFC
— M (@maund) December 26, 2020
If you know ball you already know ollie watkins was worth every penny #AVFC
— avfcjxsh_ (@avfcjxsh_) December 26, 2020
Rightly so, Watkins was outstanding 👏👏👏 the lad deserved a goal, they'll start flowing again shortly, had two harshly chaukled off against West Ham, West Brom & hit the bar & post today. #avfc https://t.co/KJ02E37SxM
— Roger (@Rog_FootyMad) December 26, 2020
Brilliant team performance from the lads! Thought @jmcginn7, @dg_douglasluiz, @JackGrealish and Watkins played superb but for me that was @Mattytargett best game so far of the season, MOTM for me!! On to Chelsea now!! #avfc
— Tez (@tez3005) December 26, 2020
Watkins is different class, it’s not just about scoring goals but some idiots only see that stat! He has made one hell of a difference to our side. Love him! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Jules Bunclark (@AVFCbunners) December 26, 2020
Remarkable how I see some Villa fans questioning Watkins. He may not have scored today but all three of our goals involved him. Three assists because he is a quality player.
— Son Lyme (@Son_Lyme) December 26, 2020
Ollie Watkins will become one of our best ever.
He will smash Gabby and Benteke’s goals record, EASILY.
If you don’t rate him or berate him, you’re DELUDED.
Come at me. 😊#avfc #villa https://t.co/eME1J5CfRU
— Hitz Remastered ⚠️ (@Hitzelsburger) December 26, 2020
In other news, one Aston Villa player is being targeted for a return to mainland Europe.
