Former England striker, Ian Wright has defended Ollie Watkins following some criticism of his celebration vs Brentford.
This weekend, Aston Villa travelled to face Brentford and came away with a hard-earned win that wasn’t without controversy.
The home side took the lead through Keane Lewis Potter on the brink of half-time which was potentially deserved.
The game turned on a dangerous tackle from Ben Mee. This saw him receive his marching orders after VAR took a look. A quickfire double from the Villans saw them take the lead as Alex Moreno and Ollie Watkins flipped the game on its head.
The latter’s celebration saw him pick out an individual in the crowd, and point his finger at him. This was done as the said individual had been ‘abusing’ him all game. Watkins wanted to get his own back.
This sparked a brawl in the goalmouth as Brentford man, Saman Ghoddos took exception to the Englishman’s celebration. It must be said that this set the tone for the remainder of the game.
With 14 cards for Unai Emery and Thomas Frank and 12 players, it was a feisty affair. Some may put some blame at Watkins’ door but this has been disagreed with.
What has been said about Ollie Watkins?
Following the game there was plenty of conversation going on. From managers to players to pundits, everyone had their say.
The England international felt that his celebration was necessary. He even said he would do it again if he could relive the situation.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Mark Chapman wanted to spark some conversation between former strikers, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright.
His question was: “You’d go along with that wouldn’t you? If there’s one fan giving you stick and you score, you give it back a bit.”
It is safe to say that the former Arsenal man had no worries agreeing with the Villa frontman and his actions.
On that, Wright said: “Absolutely and the thing is, what you want is that fan has come to give him that stick. Ollie Watkins has got to be professional. He’s got to do his job, he’s got to score his goal. He didn’t say a word he just looked at him, why not?”
It is true that if an individual shouts abuse and you use it to spur you on and eventually win the game there is no issue.
Like Wright, Shearer was in complete agreement with Watkins: “That’s his right of reply and that would absolutely spur you on to put the ball in the back of the net a little bit more”
If two of the better English strikers ever are on your side then your decision is vindicated. Brentford fans weren’t happy with Watkins but his celebration was well received elsewhere.
