Unai Emery lifts lid on Ollie Watkins meeting amid Aston Villa form

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Unai Emery has backed Ollie Watkins to rediscover his scoring touch, insisting the striker remains his first-choice despite a barren run in front of goal this campaign. Watkins has managed just one goal in 15 outings this term, finding the net in Villa's 3-1 triumph over Fulham back in September.

That effort arrived mere days before Watkins fluffed his lines from the penalty spot against Bologna, having also spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to clinch victory at Sunderland .

Villa's attacking output has been restricted this season, recording the second-lowest expected goals tally in the Premier League , though Watkins has also seemed to be operating below his usual standards.

His latest blow materialised this morning when Thomas Tuchel omitted him from his England squad for this month's fixtures, although the Three Lions chief cited fitness concerns.

Speaking ahead of Villa's clash with Bournemouth , Emery addressed questions surrounding Watkins' struggles.

"He is a fighter. In all of his career, he has shown us that he is a fighter," he replied. "He overcame a lot of situations in his career individually, through being a fighter.

"Now, keep moving forward. He has to focus with us again, recovering his good form and getting confidence.

"My message to him yesterday, even before the match - we were speaking and we had a meeting. I told him that I am so happy with you.

"You are our striker. You have been consistent all your career. When I arrived here, you showed me your character to be resilient in all the moments we need to get fighting like you are.

"Now, I know that you are going to recover and get your performance through being consistent like you are, through fighting like you did, and through focusing with us."

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