Featured Image Credit: Getty/Aston Villa via X
Topics: Aston Villa, Champions League, Ollie Watkins, Arsenal, Unai Emery, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Fan Reactions
Chris Byfield
Topics: Aston Villa, Champions League, Ollie Watkins, Arsenal, Unai Emery, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Fan Reactions
Fans have noticed Ollie Watkins’ immediate response to Aston Villa sealing Champions League qualification.
On Tuesday, Manchester City dispatched Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to reclaim the initiative in the title race. The result sees Pep Guardiola’s men move two points clear of Arsenal at the summit with just one game of the season remaining.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s costly defeat sealed Champions League football for Aston Villa.
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City’s victory sparked wild celebrations at Villa Park during the club’s End Of Season awards, with Unai Emery and his players spotted in jubilant celebration.
However, one player did not appear as happy as his team-mates.
Amid animated celebrations, Watkins was pictured looking despondent, with fans joking that the striker’s tepid reaction was on account of his Arsenal allegiance.
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One person writing on X, formally Twitter, said: “Watkins’ reaction is breaking my heart.”
Another added: “He's a Gunner at heart.”
A third person said: “Get him to Arsenal immediately, brother can help us lift the trophy we so desperately want with his boyhood club.”
Meanwhile, a Villa fan noted: “He’s emotional because he’s actually made it to the Champions League, a footballer’s dream. Not for you lot.” Another added: “He literally took 6 points off you and cost you the title. You love to see it.”
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Watkins, who has scored some 19 Premier League goals and claimed 13 assists this term, admitted his support for Arsenal after netting against them earlier this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I used to [support Arsenal]. I grew up supporting Arsenal but it's a different story now playing against them. Not too much to say really."
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Back in 2020, Watkins expressed his dream to one day play for the club.
"That's the dream, to play for Arsenal one day, But, you know, it's a long shot," Watkins confessed.
"I'm an Arsenal fan so Thierry Henry was my [idol] he's unbelievable to watch. He was the idol growing up really."