Overview

• After a saved penalty in the 1-0 Europa League win over Bologna, John McGinn said Malen had been set to take the kick and confirmed the order was reviewed following the Brentford shoot-out exit.
• Watkins’ miss underscores a long-running issue from 12 yards, with six penalties scored and seven missed in his club career excluding shoot-outs.
• The England striker is on a nine-game run without a goal this season, increasing scrutiny of his role and confidence.
• Unai Emery publicly backed Watkins’ overall display off the bench against Bologna, praising his pressing, duels and chance creation despite the miss.
• Commentary in recent reports links Watkins’ downturn to summer recruitment that failed to add a clear rival at centre-forward, though this remains analysis rather than club confirmation.