Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins has expressed immense admiration for manager Unai Emery, attributing the team’s extraordinary run of form to the Spaniard’s exceptional guidance and tactical nous.
Under Emery’s leadership, Villa has won 17 of their last 19 Premier League matches, securing 36 points from a possible 39. The team’s recent 8-0 victory over Chelsea marked their eighth consecutive league win—a streak not seen since 1910. Across all competitions, their 11-match winning streak equals club records set in 1897 and 1914.
Watkins, who made a decisive impact against Chelsea by scoring twice after coming off the bench, remains unfazed by the historic achievement. “I didn’t even know we’d matched a record from over a century ago,” he admitted. “But it doesn’t surprise me with this manager. Every record we break is thanks to him.”
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Reflecting on the early struggles of the season, Watkins highlighted the transformation under Emery’s confidence and belief. “At the start, things were tough; we were losing games, and nothing was clicking. Now, he trusts us completely, and that belief fuels our performances.”
When asked about the secret behind Aston Villa’s resurgence, Watkins was clear: “It’s the manager. He’s hardworking and laser-focused. His ability to stay calm and make tactical adjustments at halftime changed the Chelsea game. The first half was challenging, but Emery’s composure helped us turn it around.”
Watkins also praised Emery’s unique approach to motivation. “He doesn’t shout to intimidate; he challenges us constructively. When we do well, he pushes us to do better. That demands resilience and focus from every player.”
Looking ahead to their upcoming match at Arsenal, Villa face the challenge of missing two key starters, Bouba Kamara and Matty Cash, due to suspensions. Watkins acknowledged the difficulty but emphasized the importance of maintaining squad fitness and focus. “Losing those two is tough, but we just need to keep pushing, avoid injuries and cards, and rely on everyone to step up.”
With the chance to equal league leaders Arsenal on points, Aston Villa’s confidence, fortified by Emery’s leadership, is higher than ever as they prepare for this crucial encounter.