Ollie Watkins has delivered a damning assessment of Liverpool's defence after scoring twice in Aston Villa's 4-2 victory over the Premier League champions at Villa Park on Friday night. The 30-year-old England international netted Villa's second and third goals, helping his side leapfrog Liverpool into fourth place and secure Champions League football for next season.
Watkins Exploits Liverpool's Weaknesses
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Watkins explained how he was able to expose Arne Slot's side. "Liverpool play a high line and don't play offside so they're disjointed at the back and feel like there's a lot of space for me to run into," he said. "No disrespect to them, the centre-backs are world class but I spot space and opportunities. I like to run in behind."
Watkins now has eight Premier League goals against Liverpool, a tally only surpassed by Harry Kane and Andy Cole. He described his connection with teammate Morgan Rogers: "Just before the goal, I was disappointed because I went offside, they play such a high line. I shouldn't be offside in that position but to grab that goal a minute later, me and Morgan have a great connection."
VAR Drama and Relief
Watkins also expressed relief after a VAR check confirmed his second goal. "Buzzing Pau [Torres] missed that, I knew I wasn't offside. It's horrible when it goes to VAR you never know but you can't ask for anything more as a striker with a little tap in there."
Slot's Frustration Grows
In contrast, it was another miserable night for Liverpool manager Arne Slot. His team will finish the season with nine defeats from 19 away league games, conceding 33 goals on the road. "In general teams struggle more away from home but for a top team like us it's far too many losses and dropped points," Slot admitted. "That hugely has to do with the way we concede is far too easy in general."
Slot also lamented his side's lack of clinical finishing: "We have chances but we've not been as clinical in finishing them this season as we were last season. It doesn't help that [Alexander] Isak has hardly played for us or that Hugo [Ekitike] has been unavailable. It is what it is. Next week, Brentford is where our focus is."
Champions League Qualification Hopes
Liverpool will still qualify for the Champions League if Bournemouth lose at home to Manchester City next Tuesday. Otherwise, their fate will be decided on the final day of the season.
