Unai Emery feels Ollie Watkins chat could be behind Aston Villa striker’s form

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has revealed a meeting with Ollie Watkins early in his reign might be behind the striker’s incredible run of form.

Watkins’ hot streak continued in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Leicester when he put Villa in front with his eighth goal in the last 10 games to celebrate 100 Premier League appearances in style.

The 27-year-old is loving life under the Spaniard, scoring 10 goals in 17 games since Emery’s appointment.

“I like to take challenges, always, with my striker, with my coaching. Because I like to be offensive and to be a winner,” Emery said.

“The striker is very important to me. I spoke with [Watkins] at the beginning about the relationship here. I told him that I want the best of you and the way he is doing; practicing, being humble to improve. This is the way.

“Then, he has a big career to do in his future. It’s very important as well to try and speak about other players because he is not going to score if his team-mates aren’t helping him to do it.

“For us, Ollie Watkins is very important. He’s not only scoring but his commitment every day, trying to add more work, watching his clips.

“He’s the first defence in our idea, trying to be consistent. He’s working very well with the high pressing. He’s trying to fight with the defenders. He’s scoring and he’s adding the best quality as a striker – the goal.”

Villa’s win at the King Power Stadium came courtesy of Bertrand Traore’s 87th-minute winner after Harvey Barnes cancelled out Watkins’ early opener.

But the game turned after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was sent off in the 70th minute after picking up two yellow cards in six minutes.

The midfielder apologised for his dismissal as Leicester remain in the bottom three following a seventh game without a