Former Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill has clapped back at Troy Deeney’s criticism of Ollie Watkins in reaction to the Englishman’s display against Arsenal.
Sunday was a day to remember for both Aston Villa and Ollie Watkins, as the Midlands club beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates in the Premier League.
Unai Emery came back to haunt his former side, derailing their stance in the title race to take three points back to the Midlands, seeing Villa move into fourth place.
Goals from Leon Bailey and Watkins sealed what was an outstanding display from the visitors, on a memorable day for the Villa talisman who equalled the club’s Premier League scoring record by netting his 19th of the season.
The 28-year-old has been in searing form this campaign and was at his best against the Gunners, laughing in the face of those who have recently doubted him.
How Martin O’Neill responded to Troy Deeney’s criticism of Ollie Watkins
After the game, Watkins posted an Instagram story aimed at Troy Deeney, who claimed the forward to be a ‘winger trying to be a striker’.
The Villa marksman responded by posting a photo of himself celebrating against Arsenal with the caption, ‘Not bad for a winger trying to be a striker’ – read more here.
It was entertaining to see Watkins respond to the obscure criticism that Deeney fired his way, with the story developing today as former Villa boss Martin O’Neill shared his verdict on the matter.
Speaking on talkSPORT earlier today, O’Neill said:
“Maybe that’s why Troy lasted six games as a manager, maybe he just didn’t recognise a winger or a striker. Ollie Watkins has had a phenomenal season, he’s absolutely phenomenal.”
The Northern Irish manager went on to explain why he believes Deeney would have had such a strong view on Watkins’ claims to be a striker and highlighted what has changed for the Englishman this season.
“I think the next couple of seasons will tell you if Ollie Watkins is in the centre-forward that Aston Villa fans think he is at this minute, he’s been terrific.”
“I think what’s happened, and he’s confessed this himself, I think the manager has helped him greatly. He has said to him, don’t do a lot of needless running.”
“Maybe this is the point that Troy is making, he finds himself out on the wing a lot of times when he shouldn’t have been, if you’re going to be a centre-forward, this is where the goals are going to be scored.”
Ollie Watkins shut criticism down with his display against Arsenal
O’Neill was right to shut Deeney’s opinion of Watkins’ quality down, with his display against Arsenal showing just how good of a striker he is in Emery’s system.
The England international showed great patience to take his chance when it finally came to him, scoring with an audacious finish to net his 19th goal of the season.
Watkins is correct, his numbers aren’t bad for a player who isn’t a striker, leading the line for the club currently fourth in the Premier League, giving the Villa man the last laugh on the matter.
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