Ollie Watkins

[PeterWithesShin]

Even the absolute best strikers in the world only convert at approx 25% of their chances over an extended period of time, most of the time it's nearer 20%.

[Smirker]

And what is the point? That Watkins is on par with the best finishers in the world?

[Drummond]

'You wouldn't let it lie!'

[Ian.]

When he goes Ollie will be a regular discussion around the ‘we’ve never really replaced Ollie’ category.

I guarantee there will be comments about his eventual replacement like: "I like that he scores goals pretty regularly, and sure, we all have confidence when he gets a chance, but would it kill him to work a bit harder up top? Imagine the player he'd be if he worked half as hard as Ollie used to..."

No, we'll get an actual striker who can finish and it'll be:

"As much as I loved Ollie this guy is on another level. Reminds me almost of someone like van Nistelrooy how he's so deadly with half a chance. A proper striker. Can you imagine if that chance fell to Ollie? He could have 100 attempts and not score it."

This is what will happen.

We may very well find out in our next match and the remainder of the season. I hope your right of course and if you are, I will still look back on Ollie being one of best strikers we've had in the last forty years. 

[ROBBO]

The most difficult position to play, generally one out looking for a good supply. Ollie seems to have lost a bit of pace but his positioning is still spot on, looking across the premiership can't see anyone better.

[trinityoap]

According to a list I have just seen, although it is not completely up to date, only six players currently playing in the premier league have scored more premier league goals than our  Ollie.

[PeterWithesShin]

And what is the point? That Watkins is on par with the best finishers in the world?

That the player you think will come in and rarely miss doesn't exist.

[Sexual Ealing]

This thread is like meeting the girl you dumped when you were seventeen. No, there's nothing wrong with you, and please don't be upset, but there are just better people out there.

[brontebilly]

Let’s be absolutely honest…..apart from his goal he was awful today

"Awful" is when he doesn't have a sniff, is anonymous, where the centre backs could lay out deck chairs and scroll their Insta feeds... and he has been like that this season at times, especially in the October-November period.

But yesterday, the Jaudi centre backs had a real working over. He came close to scoring at least twice, and then got himself on the scoresheet.

Granted, a little less wastefulness might have turned a 7 into an 8 or 9... but from there to call him "awful"... I mean, seriously?

Agreed 100%..He gave the Newcastle defence a hell of a game yesterday. As for deck chairs, that was the Chelsea centre backs when Malen started. Or the Newcastle or Arsenal forwards yesterday.

[Smirker]

And what is the point? That Watkins is on par with the best finishers in the world?

That the player you think will come in and rarely miss doesn't exist.

Where did I say they'd rarely miss?

For someone who accuses others of moving the goalposts so much you really do have a habit of doing it yourself quite a bit.

I said we could get a better finisher. I did not say they would rarely miss.

[PaulWinch again]

It’s so boring - he is a consistent, top end, forward in the Premier League who has played a major part in getting us to where we are today. How about instead of slagging him off you just acknowledge, he’s been pretty bloody good for us.

[Nunkin1965]

Only 35 players have reached 100 Premier League goals.
Really hope Ollie gets the 17 he needs to join an exclusive club.

[Sexual Ealing]

Only 35 players have reached 100 Premier League goals.
Really hope Ollie gets the 17 he needs to join an exclusive club.

It's not really relevant until he does though.

[DrGonzo]

How about we have a whole week in which nobody reacts to one of Smirker's posts?  Let him rattle with barely suppressed rage.  I can read a thread without endless quotathons and bickering. 

His first touch was abysmal all through that first half, I think that can be accepted by everybody.  He played like Ollie does and came away with a goal.  If we'd had another striker available I bet he'd have been hooked after 60 minutes and not on the pitch to score that goal.

[Toronto Villa]