Ollie Watkins seriously impressed by ‘strong’ Arsenal star in 2-2 draw with Aston Villa

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Ollie Watkins was the thorn in Arsenal’s side once again during their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

Watkins scored Villa’s second to bring the game level at 2-2 with his strike thundering past David Raya, meaning that Arsenal had surrendered a two-goal lead in less than 10 minutes.

Given how depleted his squad was, Mikel Arteta’s side did give a good account of themselves from an offensive point of view, but William Saliba’s absence was glaringly obvious at the back.

Thomas Partey shouldn’t be playing as a right-back, but Arteta ultimately had little choice given that he was without four first-team defenders against Villa.

Arteta didn’t turn to Jakub Kiwior so Jurrien Timber was needed centrally, which was perhaps a mistake in the eyes of some.

Ollie Watkins says it’s very difficult to play against Gabriel Magalhaes

That being said, Watkins was still full of praise for a different Arsenal defender, Gabriel Magalhaes after full-time.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Watkins also offered his thoughts on Arsenal’s winning goal being disallowed owing to a handball by Kai Havertz.

READ MORE: Gary Lineker delivers his verdict on Kai Havertz handball which VAR overtuned to deny Arsenal vs Aston Villa

Watkins initially said: “Seeing it back I’m not sure, it has gone in favour of us. If it was against me I would be a bit disappointed.

“I don’t know. From that angle I am not sure, but that’s what VAR is there for.

Then, after describing Arsenal’s defence as ‘quite open’, Watkins went on to eventually praise Gabriel, who he finds it very difficult to play against.

Watkins continued: “We knew they went man to man. There was chances there to be taken as they’re always a little bit open.

“When I got my goal I felt we had enough time to push on and get a goal, but it was about being brave and making more passes.

“First half we went direct – Gabriel is a strong guy, so it is hard to hold the ball up against him.”

Mikel Arteta needs to end his Thomas Partey right-back experiment

Of course, Gabriel has somewhat been holding Arsenal’s defence together this season, a huge presence at the back.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was exceptional alongside the £23m Brazilian against Villa, but Arsenal’s right side wasn’t so well-equipped.

Timber can excel in any role but as mentioned, but Partey is not at his best on the right side of defence.

Interestingly, Unai Emery praised Arsenal after full-time, suggesting that his Villa side need to be more like their hosts.

All in all, a frustrating if not encouraging night for the Gunners, who lost ground in the title-race but did show the kind of attacking impetus that has been missing for a while.