Ollie Watkins

[Rudy Can't Fail]

53 games for us last season plus a few internationals followed by a full summer at the Euros and he's already clocked up 44 games this season without a proper summer rest or pre-season, I'd imagine only Emi played more. They're serious stats for any player and why I believe he's not as sharp as he was last season.

Despite him being marked out of the game yesterday he at least was back to his best on chasing down the keeper with real intent. He obviously reads H&V. Now if he could just go further across instead of going to the far post when the ball is coming in from the right, he may likely get back in the goals. He may possibly have to ignore Unai's instructions though.

[VillaTim]

Against Forest, Ollie Watkins played 62 mins and had 9 touches, with no shots. Rashford touched the ball 18 times in just 28 mins and took two shots.
I think the two of them can dovetail nicely together .

[ROBBO]

He doesn't seem to impact games as he used too, I wonder if the injury is affecting him more than they are letting on. On his last few games I would favour keeping him on the bench and only using him if nessessary.

[Dante Lavelli]

He doesn't seem to impact games as he used too, I wonder if the injury is affecting him more than they are letting on. On his last few games I would favour keeping him on the bench and only using him if nessessary.

Yes an 80% fit Watkins shouldn’t be playing but Bailey’s absence has probably prevented us playing Malen up top, so Watkins is bumped up again. 

Malen looks good to me, I’d definitely like to see him upfront before the end of the season as he is probably the budget solution if we don’t qualify for top tier Europe.

[PeterWithesShin]

Won a pen, scored a cracker, 1 behind Gabby. He's great.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Absolutely superb finish today. No deflection, no luck required, he meant it and it was a joy to watch.
If Salah had scored that you can be sure the media would be tugging away for the next few weeks.

Well done Super Sub!

[Percy McCarthy]

Was about to post in the match thread that I prefer him from the start as he doesn’t often have an impact as a sub, but I didn’t want to manifest it.

You’re welcome.

[ChicagoLion]

Going to need a good performance from him Tuesday.

[PaulWinch again]

Top player, vital player.

[Toronto Villa]

Delighted for him. He really needed that goal. He’ll be starting Tuesday with Rashford wide. Morgan playing behind him.

[Rigadon]

Was brilliant today.

[SoccerHQ]

Brilliant run and finish.

I assume he's carrying an injury and so we're restricting him to short cameos given we got him out of the England squad and he's since started five straight games on the bench so wonder if he might need an operation as soon as the season finishes.

[steamer]

Well played Ollie

[BC Villain]

Much more like it today.  Two more and Talksport will have to find something else to massage Agbonlahor's ego with.

[AV84]

Mad how he can score that and then miss absolute sitters. Seems like time to think is his worst enemy.