OIlie Watkins prompts questions on Aston Villa future again after Nottingham Forest scenes
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Credit: Imago Fri 1 May 2026 9:56, UK Ollie Watkins failed to leave much of an impact on Aston Villa’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Thursday, which has left them trailing in the Europa League semi-final.The Villans will host Vitor Pereira’s side at Villa Park next week in the hopes of overturning the tie after Chris Wood’s penalty was the difference on the night. Lucas Digne had been looking to see out Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross, but was penalised by VAR when the ball was kept in and struck onto his raised arm.Unai Emery’s team had their chances throughout the clash, but ultimately came up short in the key moments.Watkins’ Villa form has improved significantly in the second half of the season, but Thursday was a reminder of what he has lacked at times this season. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath.
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from Villa Park. Since then, however, Watkins has managed to find his groove and has looked more like the striker Emery has relied on for the entirety of his time at Villa Park.The Spaniard needed him again on Thursday, but Watkins fluffed his lines when given the chance to find the difference.Just after the break, Morgan Rogers’ shot was deflected off the leg of Morato and curled into the path of an unmarked Watkins just eight yards from goal.The 30-year-old had to react quickly and got his shot on target, but it was straight at Stefan Ortega.
With Donyell Malen thriving in Italy after leaving Villa Park in the winter transfer window, there may come a time when a conversation is had about the health of Emery’s reliance on Watkins. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath. Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from Villa Park.