Ollie Watkins apology after ‘strange incident hurts Chelsea star’
Ollie Watkins left Levi Colwill needing treatment and Alan Smith baffled by a “strange” challenge in the Aston Villa defeat at Chelsea.
Unai Emery’s side struggled to cope with the hosts’ energy in the first half on Sunday (1 December), with goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez.
Things nearly went from bad to worse when Martinez narrowly escaped trouble just before the half-hour mark. After lingering with the ball in his own area, he sent a careless pass straight to Jackson.
Watkins had a difficult time in front of goal and had to apologise deep into first-half stoppage time after clattering into Colwill as he played a long ball out of defence, getting nowhere near the ball.
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith said live on the match commentary (2.21pm): “He’s just jumped into his man there. Strange challenge from Watkins. Not sure what he was trying to do.”
Commentator Bill Leslie replied: “He has had a couple of moments for Villa in front of goal in this first half, Ollie Watkins, unable to take either.
“Watkins comes across to apologise to his England international colleague Levi Colwill.”.
Aston Villa attacking woes leave Ollie Watkins isolated
Football Insider opinion
As Leslie mentioned, Watkins had a few opportunities for Villa but failed to capitalise on them. His unusual tackle may have been born out of frustration.
That likely stems from him missing chances, as the striker has now missed the most big chances in the Premier League this season (13). Despite scoring six goals, the England international has struggled to replicate his form from last season and is starting to look like a shadow of his former self.
Aston Villa have also not scored in four out of five of their last games in all competitions after making a strong start to the campaign.
However, some fans have called for Jhon Duran to get the nod ahead of Watkins, but it doesn’t appear the 20-year-old will get that opportunity.
Sources have told Football Insider that Jhon Duran may leave the club soon. This is due to Duran being eager to take on a first-choice striker role at a club. He is currently playing a secondary role to Watkins.
The Villains face two home fixtures against Brentford and Southampton. They must address their eight-match winless run.
In other Aston Villa news, Gabby Agbonlahor says the club does not need Jaden Philogene as they come under scrutiny for their summer transfer business.
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