Unai Emery left staring at unwanted answer to Aston Villa problem of his own making
MONACO 1-0 ASTON VILLA: Ollie Watkins started the game in attack for the visitors before being joined by Jhon Duran, but Unai Emery admitted his move backfired
by Neil Moxley · The MirrorUnai Emery has admitted he needs to crack the code with Aston Villa strikers Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran - or else.
Villa’s boss is facing a dilemma over the two after admitting his gamble to play both together backfired in Monaco. Emery started the game in the Stade Louis II with Watkins up front on his own - and then ordered Duran from the bench in a bid to rescue his side from a 1-0 defeat.
But the pair didn’t gel - and the Spaniard’s pre-match words - in which he called finding a solution to the issue ‘a challenge’ rang horribly true. And if he can’t, the possibility of cashing in on one or the other - possibly in the summer, will be on the cards.
Emery was so preoccupied with the loss - upset and angry in equal measure - that he forgot his manners in the bowels of the stadium afterward at the post-match press conference.
The former Arsenal boss is polite to a fault. Throughout his time at Villa Park, he has always kicked off his address with: ‘Good morning,’ ‘afternoon,’ or ‘evening.’ For once, he completely forgot himself, so consumed was he with his emotions.
Little wonder. Villa lacked zip from the off but were in with a shout of snatching a point going into the final quarter. But Monaco looked more likely to add to the score after he introduced Duran.
Emery felt Villa had been in the game and, at the final whistle, accepted a handshake from his opposite number, Adi Hutter. He then stomped off across the pitch to the dressing rooms without breaking stride, while his players thanked Villa’s travelling support.
Asked about the conundrum, he said: “It was my responsibility. The last 20-25 minutes when we were playing with two strikers. We lost it and we were out of position. We weren’t threatening them like we were in the first 70 minutes.
“We have two good strikers. Playing together we have to have the same structure. It’s my challenge to get those players on the field, offensively and defensively. Both are very good players. It didn’t work well.”
The situation is not helped because both strikers feel they should be the spearhead around which Emery’s tactical plan is based.
Watkins is the senior member, the go-to guy who has carried Villa since Dean Smith bought him for £30m from Brentford five years ago.
He has a proven track record and his goal for England in the semi-final of the European Championships against Holland last summer has established him as a viable alternative to Harry Kane. However, Watkins admitted he didn’t thrive when former Villa striker Danny Ings was snapping at his heels. His form hasn’t suffered - so far at least.
While Duran is a crackerjack footballer. Capable of anything. A powerful player - with an edge - but one who can drift in and out of games. However, the game’s currency is goals. And in less than 1,000 minutes on the pitch this season, the young Colombian has found the net 12 times.
According to Villa, West Ham’s bid for the striker, 21, was way below the figure of £57m that has been widely quoted. But suitors are sensing that there may be a deal to be done, regardless of the fact that both players are tied to long-term deals.
If he cannot make it work, Emery has a choice. He has created the monster, and it is now in danger of eating him. Does he stick with the plan in the hope he can somehow find a tactical answer that benefits Villa and keeps the pair happy? Or does he admit defeat and sell one of them?
Villa’s boss has created the problem - and now he has to find the solution - or face the inevitable and unpalatable conclusion that one of them has to go.
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