Unai Emery addresses Watkins' absence during Villa's defeat to Brighton
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 5:04 PM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery expressed concern over Ollie Watkins' absence during the team's 4-0 loss to Brighton at the Amex on August 23. Emery confirmed he did not include Watkins in the matchday squad as the forward considers a transfer to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. This left Villa struggling for options up front, relying on Emiliano Buendía as a makeshift striker. The match quickly went awry for Villa, who fell behind 4-0 after just 31 minutes, and João Gomes received a red card during his debut in the 40th minute. The situation surrounding Watkins remains uncertain as he contemplates his future.
- •Aston Villa lost 4-0 to Brighton on August 23.
- •Ollie Watkins was absent amid transfer considerations to Al Hilal.
- •Emery called on Buendía as an emergency forward.
- •João Gomes was sent off in his debut for Villa.
- 5:04 PMThe Guardian Sport — ‘Call his agent’: Emery feels Watkins should explain absence from Villa’s loss at Brighton
"England forward is considering move to Al Hilal ‘This question is for him … I answer only with silence’ Unai Emery did nothing to deny that Ollie Watkins had refused to play for Aston Villa in their sobering 4-0 defeat by Brighton at the Amex on Sunday. The head coach had a selection crisis up front with Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham injured. However, he did not include Watkins in the matchday squad as the England striker considers a move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Emery was forced to rely on the attacking midfielder, Emiliano Buendía, as an emergency No 9 and his team disappeared without trace on the south coast. They were 4-0 down after 31 minutes and had their new signing, João Gomes, sent off on his debut in the 40th minute. Gomes kicked up and out at the Brighton striker Georginio Rutter after being dispossessed by him. Continue reading...
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