Ollie Watkins ‘trust’ questioned as Unai Emery told two players can spark Aston Villa season
Jamie Redknapp gives blunt assessment of Aston Villa’s worrying start to the season
Jamie Redknapp has shared his thoughts on Aston Villa’s difficult start to the campaign, with Unai Emery’s side still searching for their first win of the season.
Villa’s early struggles continued in midweek as they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brentford on penalties, following a 1-1 draw at Villa Park. That disappointment has been compounded by their poor league form, with the Midlands club sitting 19th in the Premier League table after four matches, picking up just two points in the process.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp admitted that while Emery has previously brought structure, belief and energy to Villa, something now looks different. He noted that the same excitement and intensity that defined Villa under the Spaniard over the past 18 months seems to have faded.
“It’s still early, and you have to be respectful of that,” Redknapp said. “But I don’t get the same buzz I had watching them last season. We used to wax lyrical about how well they were set up, the energy in the side, and the way Emery maximised his squad. Right now, that spark feels missing.”
Concerns over Watkins and attacking struggles
One of the biggest talking points for Redknapp was Ollie Watkins, who has yet to find his rhythm this term. The forward, once Villa’s talisman, is now struggling with confidence, and Redknapp believes last season’s disappointment may still be lingering.
“You looked at Watkins last year and thought he was a striker full of goals,” he said. “But at the end of the season he was left out in the Champions League for Rashford. Is there still a hangover from that? Sometimes when a manager takes away that belief and trust, it can take a long time to recover. Right now, he looks like a player who isn’t sure of himself.”
Villa’s lack of goals is a major issue. Their strike against Brentford was their first from open play in several matches, and Redknapp highlighted the team’s inability to create clear chances.
“When you’re not scoring and not even creating much, that’s when alarm bells ring,” he added. “You’re relying on individuals to produce something out of nothing. Harvey Elliott, who got his first goal for the club against Brentford, has that spark, but you can’t just hope for magic every week.”
Bright spots: Rogers and Elliott
Despite the gloom, Redknapp did point to positives. He singled out Morgan Rogers as a potential game-changer for Villa.
“I think the world of him,” he said. “Morgan Rogers is a world-class player in my opinion, someone who can drag this team forward. But he needs support. He can’t do it alone.”
Alongside Rogers, Harvey Elliott has been another bright light, his energy and creativity offering Villa hope in the final third. Redknapp believes Elliott’s flair could prove crucial if the club are to turn their fortunes around.
Can Villa push for Europe?
Looking ahead, Redknapp was blunt about Villa’s chances of challenging at the top end of the table this season.
“I don’t see them competing for the top five,” he said. “This feels like it’s going to be one of those up-and-down seasons. They’ll still pick up results, of course, but to break into the Champions League places? I just don’t see it with this squad right now.”
Sunderland clash looms large
Next up for Emery’s men is a trip to Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday, a fixture that already feels crucial given their struggles. For Redknapp, the challenge is clear: Villa need to rediscover their confidence, energy, and ruthlessness in front of goal if they are to avoid a season defined by inconsistency and frustration.
“They’re devoid of belief at the moment,” Redknapp concluded. “And until that changes, they’re going to find it very hard to climb the table. This is going to be a really interesting season for Aston Villa—whether they can steady the ship or whether it unravels further remains to be seen.”