December 7th 2024.
It was a surprising decision by Unai Emery to start off the game against Southampton with Aston Villa's star striker, Ollie Watkins, on the bench. This unexpected move caught many off guard, especially considering that Watkins was the second-most transferred in player for Gameweek 15 of the Fantasy Premier League season, with a massive 358,165 managers making the smart move.
Watkins had recently made a comeback to the scoresheet in the midweek game against Brentford, where Villa secured a 3-1 win. This performance had undoubtedly raised expectations for the 28-year-old to deliver against the struggling Saints. However, it seemed that Emery had other plans in mind, as Watkins was left to watch the game unfold from the bench.
When asked about his decision to hand Jhon Duran his first league start of the campaign, Emery explained, "It's time to use intelligently the players in the squad and of course get performances collectively and individually from all the players." He emphasized the importance of utilizing the entire squad and not just relying on one or two players to carry the team.
With Villa's recent struggles, Emery was also questioned about the need to build on their first win in seven games. He replied, "At Villa Park we feel strong and comfortable. We respect our opponents, and every point is crucial in this fight." He highlighted the importance of every game and how they must fight for each point, especially at home.
It was a significant moment for Duran, who finally got his chance to shine in the Premier League. Emery also stressed the importance of the team's energy and support from their fans at Villa Park. "We have to be strong with our supporters and transmit that energy on the field. We are all united in defending Aston Villa," he said passionately.
Former Aston Villa boss, Tim Sherwood, also shared his thoughts on Emery's decision to keep Duran and Watkins apart on the field. "He fancies one up front," Sherwood said, implying that Emery prefers a lone striker. "To be fair, Duran has earned his chance to play. I believe they can play well together, but sometimes, the coach wants to rest certain players," he added.
In the end, Villa secured a 2-1 win against Southampton, with Duran scoring the winning goal in his first league start. It was a fantastic moment for the young striker, and it proved that Emery's squad rotation strategy paid off. With a strong team effort and the support of their fans, Aston Villa continues to fight for every point and defend their home ground.
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