Unai Emery lauds strong Ollie Watkins after his late equalizer against Bournemouth.
Unai Emery praised Ollie Watkins for his superb 90th-minute equalizer in a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
Watkins was facing backward when he nodded in substitute Moussa Diaby’s cross as Villa came from behind twice to salvage a point.
“He’s strong,” Villa manager Emery said. When he’s in good physical shape, he can play multiple matches in a row like we are.
“That’s an excellent point. I am extremely pleased with the performance.
“We need to put together a team, and I’m trying to give everyone a chance.”
“They have to feel important and playing with personality and get stronger, not only the first 11 but the squad.”
Bournemouth took the lead in the 10th minute thanks to Antoine Semenyo’s neat finish after Diego Carlos was too casual playing out from the back and passed the ball straight to Ryan Christie.
Leon Bailey picked up possession on the right wing before cutting in on his left foot and curling into the far corner to bring Villa level in the 20th minute.
Solanke restored Bournemouth’s lead seven minutes into the second half, scoring his seventh goal of the season after turning away from Pau Torres and rifling home.
After Emi Martinez denied Solanke from close range, Villa substitute Jhon Duran hit the post with a deflected shot.
But, just as Bournemouth appeared to be holding on for the win, Watkins came on to score his 13th goal of the season.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola praised top-scorer Solanke but was disappointed his team could not secure a third straight Premier League victory.
“It is a difficult one to take because before the game you would take a point against Villa, but considering how the team played and the chances we had, we cannot be happy,” Iraola said.
“In the end, despite having clear chances, we were unable to score the third goal, and we must also congratulate their goalkeeper, who made two or three spectacular saves.”
“We needed to improve after the start of the season, and we’ve been doing so.”
“We’re getting to know each other better, and the players are in good physical shape.” We are clearly playing better than we were. “They are winning duels against tough competition, but we must keep going because this is a good level from us and it is only good for one point.
“At this point in time, it is a matter of collective improvement.” Dom scored one very good goal with good movement from a number nine today, and he had two very close chances, but their goalkeeper was incredible.
“He read the situations very well, and he had three or four very clear opportunities, which is a good sign for the team and for him personally.” I hope he keeps performing at this level.”
