Ollie Watkins

[Monty]

Someone on the Guardian football podcast (lots of positive stuff aboout Villa, credit-seekers) pointed out that in his nine-and-a-half seasons as a professional (going back to Exeter), he's been unavailable for only 13 games, and that must be something that managers really value. It butters no parsnips with me, and I'll keep moaning at him, but it's a great way to explain how he's come so far.

Was hoping it was Jordan Jarrett Bryan, he's on an enemies-to-friends arc with us.

(Correct fread.)

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Definetly starts tomorrow, one of the main reasons that first half was so poor against Chelseas was the inability to hold onto the ball around the halfway line.

He won't stand a chance if our passing is again so ropey. We really need to tidy that up both Youri and Bouba were not at their best first half. We'll need to be more clinical all over the pitch.

I'm with Ian,  I love a headed goal and Watkins is great with his head, he gave the Chelsea keeper no chance.

[DrGonzo]

We shan't be too concerned with Bouba's passing, unfortunately.

[Brend'Watkins]

We shan't be too concerned with Bouba's passing, unfortunately.

I will be, RIP Bouba.

[brontebilly]

He was fantastic yesterday and we all hope that kickstarts something for him. Only thing I’d say is we thought the same after his double at Brighton so fingers crossed.

He has been broadly fine in the time between Brighton and Chelsea though.

Good against Arsenal, decent enough against Basel and West Ham, quieter than we'd all have liked against Man Utd.

Thought he was poor v West Ham. Their centre backs are terrible.

[Skipper_The_Eyechild]

Someone on the Guardian football podcast (lots of positive stuff aboout Villa, credit-seekers) pointed out that in his nine-and-a-half seasons as a professional (going back to Exeter), he's been unavailable for only 13 games, and that must be something that managers really value. It butters no parsnips with me, and I'll keep moaning at him, but it's a great way to explain how he's come so far.

'There might be more talented, more exciting centre forwards out there but to be available and always willing and then to score an average of 14.5 goals a season and provide goals I think is magnificent'.

You probably didn't agree with the magnificent part! You're right, being available for that long is some going, bit like Fernandes at Man Utd.

Not JJB, Monty. Even if he is warming to us, he's still a terrible pundit.

[darren woolley]

He loves playing Arsenal hope he can score against them again tonight.

[Smirker]

My New Year's Resolution is to be positive about Ollie.

Come on lad, let's have another goal tonight! 

[Toronto Villa]

Happy Birthday Ollie. You know what to do tonight to celebrate it.

[Smithy]

Happy Birthday Ollie. You know what to do tonight to celebrate it.

I saw someone do a post about him turning 30 today, and the comments underneath were just mostly Arsenal fans with a version of "Oh FFS!".  They seem convinced it's written in the stars that he's going to cost them again...

Fingers crossed!

[Rudy Can't Fail]

They can have in the summer for £45m.

[Smithy]

They can have in the summer for £45m.

£45m? We'd surely want at least £60m for a World Cup and Premier League winner?

[Behind Bluenose Lines]

Many Happy Returns on your Big Birthday, Ollie!

A big 3-0 hatrick would be a great way to celebrate it.

Pretty please? X

[john e]

Happy Birthday Ollie. You know what to do tonight to celebrate it.

I saw someone do a post about him turning 30 today, and the comments underneath were just mostly Arsenal fans with a version of "Oh FFS!".  They seem convinced it's written in the stars that he's going to cost them again...

Fingers crossed!

He’s definitely got in Arsenal heads
as is the Villa, they look on us as we look on Palace