Tony Cascarino makes Ollie Watkins claim after Aston Villa defeat at Chelsea

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Tony Cascarino has told The Times that Ollie Watkins was the best striker on show despite Aston Villa losing 3-0 at Chelsea on Saturday.

Dean Smith’s men were emphatically beaten by the Champions League winners at Stamford Bridge.

Romelu Lukaku scored a couple of goals for the home side. He now has three since his return to the Blues in the summer.

But despite that, Cascarino has suggested that it was another forward who stole the show in his mind. He insisted that Watkins was outstanding despite Villa failing to take anything from the game.

“I thought Ollie Watkins was the best striker on show at Stamford Bridge — and that’s despite Romelu Lukaku scoring two and Aston Villa losing 3-0,” he told The Times.

“But he was excellent and neither he nor Villa deserved to be on the end of that scoreline. That was one of the best performances I’ve seen from a striker in a defeat.”

Ollie Watkins return to Aston Villa lineup a boost for Smith despite Chelsea loss

The clash at Stamford Bridge marked the 25-year-old’s first start of the new season. He had previously come on against former club Brentford.

Obviously, it was a day to forget for Smith’s side. But having Watkins back in the fold is clearly a boost.

He completed five successful dribbles (Whoscored). Meanwhile, no player on either side managed more than three.

He also managed two key passes. John McGinn was the only player to produce more.

Results against Chelsea will not define Villa’s season. So Smith may be choosing to take some of the positives from the contest away with him.

Watkins returning with such an impressive performance is certainly one.