Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins on the club’s official website.
Arteta was impressed by the goal that Watkins scored for Villa against Arsenal at Villa Park in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
The Villans suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s side conceded two late goals to lose the points.
However, it was Villa who scored the opening goal in the match.
It came as early as the fifth minute.
Watkins latched onto Matty Cash’s long pass before beating William Saliba and finding the far corner.
It was a wonderful goal, and Arsenal boss Arteta was impressed.
Mikel Arteta on Ollie Watkins goal for Aston Villa v Arsenal
Arteta said: “The first goal was Ollie Watkins – we gave the ball away and then it was one pass and him attacking the space and the channel and then finishing really well.”
Impressive
In our view, Ollie Watkins played well for Aston Villa against Arsenal.
The £28 million (BBC Sport) forward took his goal well, and his overall performance was also impressive.
Watkins was a constant problem for the Arsenal defenders and drew quite a number of fouls.
The 27-year-old has scored seven goals and given four assists in 21 Premier League starts for Villa so far this season.
Arsenal linked with Watkins last summer
Interestingly, Watkins has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past.
The Mirror reported in May 2022 that Arsenal were looking at signing Watkins from Villa as a potential replacement for Eddie Nketiah or Alexandre Lacazette.
French striker Lacazette left the Gunners at the end of last season, but Nketiah stayed.
Arsenal also signed Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City last summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
