Aston Villa lack ‘big-team mentality’ says striker Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa ahead Ollie Watkins says his aspect lack a “big-team mentality” to kill off essential video games.

They’re fourth within the Premier League, three factors forward of Tottenham in fifth, however have performed two video games extra.

“I am not belittling my group, I am a part of it,” Watkins informed BBC Match of the Day. “We have to in some way determine after we’re 2-0 up the way to shut up store.”

Villa had an excellent first half of the season and will have gone prime of the Premier League desk on 22 December, however missed out by drawing 1-1 with Sheffield United.

In 2024, Villa have managed 5 wins in 12 league matches, dropping floor to top-four rivals Spurs, over whom that they had a six-point lead in December.

Saturday’s match was additionally the third time this season Villa have surrendered a two-goal lead. They have been 2-0 up towards Manchester United on 26 December solely to lose 3-2.

Luton additionally rallied from 2-0 down on 2 March, though Villa responded late on to win 3-2.

“It is irritating,” added Watkins after the sport towards Brentford. “We lacked that big-team mentality the place they kill video games off which is actually disappointing.”

On Saturday, having barely threatened as much as that time, Brentford scored their three objectives in 9 chaotic minutes.

All three strikes got here from crosses into the field.

“We misplaced management utterly,” added supervisor Unai Emery. “It isn’t regular. Perhaps emotionally as nicely we have been a little bit bit upset.”

Even when Villa do miss out on fourth place, fifth place could also be sufficient to qualify for the Champions League this season.

England is in a robust place to assert considered one of Uefa’s ‘Efficiency Slots’, permitting an additional Premier League aspect to enter Europe’s premier membership competitors.

Villa are 12 factors away from Manchester United in sixth, having performed two video games extra.