Ollie Watkins: Agbonlahor slams ‘forgetful’ Aston Villa fans after striker criticism
Aston Villa fans are too quick to criticise Ollie Watkins, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer delivered his verdict after Watkins’ barren run in front of goal continued in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at the weekend (13 February).
The England international has not scored in his last six games – his longest run without finding the net this season.
Watkins has 19 goals in 57 Premier League games for Villa and Agbonlahor has backed him to refind his best form.
He told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “It wasn’t a very good game against Newcastle but I feel Newcastle wanted the three points more.
“From the first whistle, they were at it while Aston Villa were very, very slow. When you’re going to St. James’ Park now you can’t start off slow.
“Gerrard needs to freshen it up a little bit, rotate a few players because some of the players look very, very leggy.
“He knows a lot of those players have been playing a lot of football. When you’ve got quality players on the bench, I’m sure Gerrard will turn to them.
“When you put a performance like that up at Newcastle, anyone in that starting XI should be worried about being dropped.
“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.”
In other news, Aston Villa will listen to offers for a £17million star ahead of the summer.