"Throughout his five previous seasons at Villa, Watkins' goal tally had tracked his expected goals numbers consistently. He had scored 75 Premier League goals with an expected goals figure of 75.11. An average of 0.44 goals per 90 minutes on both metrics in that time. This season, his goals per 90 minutes tally of 0.34 is as low as it has been since being at the same level in the season that Dean Smith was replaced by Steven Gerrard and Villa finished 14th."
"Watkins has scored only once in his last 11 appearances. He might point to the absence of Youri Tielemans' passes but his problems are twofold. His finishing levels have dipped and his dynamic movement is down too. The intensity of his work up top is integral to his game."
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins faces his most challenging season since joining the club nearly six years ago, having scored only once in his last 11 appearances. While Aston Villa were competing for a Premier League title a month ago, they have since dropped to fourth after losing 2-0 to Wolves. Watkins' performance decline is twofold: his finishing levels have dipped and his dynamic movement has decreased. Historically, his goal tally tracked expected goals consistently at 0.44 per 90 minutes across five seasons. This season, his goals per 90 minutes stands at 0.34, matching levels from when Dean Smith was replaced by Steven Gerrard. His expected goals is also at its lowest since that period. Concerns exist that at age 30, Watkins may be losing the spark that distinguished him, with his top speed declining this season.
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