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(Credit: Imago, YouTube)
Jack Heath
Thu 7 August 2025 10:00, UK
Gabby Agbonlahor teared into Aston Villa fans over their ongoing mistreatment of star striker Ollie Watkins.
It’s been an extremely quiet transfer window at Villa Park with no notable signings.
Unai Emery is sure to be frustrated with the lack of transfer activity, although the Villains are pushing ahead to sign Evann Guessand from Nice.
The Ivorian is set to sign for a reported £30million (BBC Sport), wielding the ability to play anywhere across the frontline.
Watkins looks set to stay at Villa Park next season (Credit: Imago)
Crucially, it appears the Midlands club have managed to retain the services of Watkins who had been tipped with a possible move to Man United.
Yet, after pushing forward to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, it appears the hot pursuit for the Englishman has gone cold.
Speaking on talkSPORT (6 August) over the prospective signings of Guessand, presenter Natalie Sawyer nudged the discussion in the direction of what the 24-year-old’s signing means for the incumbent.
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Following doubts over his first-team minutes after Emery dropped the England international various times towards the back end of last season, Sawyer attributed the Spaniard’s decision to what fans think of the forward.
She said: “There are a lot of people that scoff at him [Watkins], but don’t really think he’s up to that level.”
Former Villa striker Agbonlahor hotly contested the perspective of fans on Watkins, stating: “Because they’re idiots, and that’s Villa fans, I can call Villa fans idiots that have a bad word to say about him.
Gabby Agbonlahor blasted Villa fans’ thoughts on the Englishman
“Does he miss chances?
Yes, all striker miss chances, does he work his socks off?
Has he got Aston Villa into the Champions League?
Yes he has.
“His attitude is right and I’m not being funny, if maybe he didn’t miss the chances that he missed over the last four/five years, maybe he wouldn’t be here now.”
Football Insider verdict
The striker turned pundit is completely justified in his stance on the unfair criticism the Villa forward has received.
Since joining the club for the 2020-21 season, the number 11 has never failed to score less than the number on the back of his shirt.
The ex-Brentford bagsman has scored 75 goals in 184 appearances for the Villains, but has also improved his creativity in recent seasons.
Last year, the 29-year-old grabbed 14 assists in all competitions, demonstrating how he is one of the best all-rounded forwards in the Premier League.
Ollie Watkins 2024-25 all competitionsAppearances54Minutes played3578Goals17Assists14(Source: Sofascore)
He did drop off in stats compared to his rampant 27 goals campaign the previous season, but he still maintains a notable level of consistency.
Now, with the expected addition of Guessand, Watkins has another bright understudy who can learn from his brilliance.
Jhon Duran thrived training and honing his craft with the England international and the Ivorian should also quickly grasp the ropes under the ex-Exeter youth product.
Villa fans should think twice before disrespecting one of the finest players their club has ever seen.
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