Ollie Watkins has been short of form of late and has been criticised for a series of below-par showings in attack – Ashley Preece of Birmingham Live scored him 4/10 for his performance in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United and 6/10 for his performance in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United.
The 26-year-old hasn’t scored in the Premier League since the turn of the year and has rippled the back of the net only twice in nearly three months. Watkins has endured criticism from supporters for his lack of goals, but Gabriel Agbonlahor believes he deserves a chance to turn things around.
He told Football Insider: “It’s easy to point at Watkins. I’ve played in that position up front on your own and if you don’t get the service it can be very, very tough. Watkins has never been that physical striker who can hold the ball up, he’s going to need the right service feeding him in the hole.
“Villa fans can be quick to jump on players back. They are forgetting that this is the same Watkins that broke onto the scene at Aston Villa and did really well. I think they should stick with Watkins and give him a chance. There is no better game for him to get his goal then against Watford.”
Watkins has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring five goals with one assist. He’s registered only three shots in his last three games and is finding the back net once every eight shots on average (five times from 41 attempts), which isn’t prolific enough in the Premier League. Watkins has also won one or less aerial duels in three of his last five outings, so it’s clear he’s struggling.
Agbonlahor wants fans to give him more time, however, as supporters can be impatient when results are bad. Villa have managed only one win from their last six games and Watkins finds himself a scapegoat. The 26-year-old will hope to end the drought at home to Watford on Saturday.
In other news, Gabriel Agbonlahor says Philippe Coutinho ‘will want to stay’ at Villa next season
