Overview

• Watkins came off the bench against Bologna and had a penalty saved by Lukasz Skorupski as Aston Villa opened their Europa League campaign with a win sealed by John McGinn’s early strike.
• The miss extended Watkins’ run to 10 games without a goal for club and country, with nine for Villa equalling his longest dry spell at the club.
• Emery said “the goal is coming” and praised Watkins’ pressing, duels and team tasks despite the missed spot-kick and limited minutes.
• Ian Wright called for sharper one-touch and close-range finishing, arguing Watkins “doesn’t do it enough” even with his movement and work-rate.
• Season metrics highlight five missed big chances, roughly 40 touches in the box across nine outings and expected goals of about 2.2; a former Villa scout told Football Insider the player is unhappy, a claim that remains unconfirmed.