Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is facing increasing challenges in integrating both Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran into the starting line-up as the 2024/2025 Premier League season progresses. The recent defeat to Tottenham Hotspur highlighted these difficulties, occurring shortly after Duran was substituted on for Morgan Rogers. The game swiftly spiralled out of control for Villa, with Tottenham scoring three goals in quick succession.
This marks the tenth occasion that Watkins and Duran have played together this season, with Duran appearing off the bench more than any other player (10 times). Despite a respectable record of five wins, three draws, and two losses when both forwards are on the pitch, the lack of synergy between them remains evident according to Sky Sports. Notably, they have combined for just five goals, with Duran contributing two, including a standout strike against Everton.
The tactical mismatch has proved disruptive, as seen in the loss to Tottenham, where Villa conceded four goals compared to the five they scored in similar scenarios with both strikers on the field. The ongoing struggle to balance the two forwards is further complicated by their tendency to occupy similar spaces, inhibiting their ability to build the necessary chemistry for a successful partnership.
Emery has experimented with other players, like Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and John McGinn, who are able to complement Watkins’ style by creating space and dragging defenders out of position. In contrast, Duran’s similar attacking mindset to Watkins leads to a more congested front line. The statistics reveal a troubling trend: when Duran plays alongside Watkins, Villa’s defensive solidity diminishes, conceding three goals per game compared to one goal per game with Watkins operating solo.
Despite these challenges, Emery remains determined to find a solution to the striker dilemma. After the defeat to Tottenham, he stated, "Because it is a possibility. I have to try to give minutes to those players on the field and how we can get better with those players." He acknowledged the need for patience and reiterated his commitment to giving both players the "chance" to develop their partnership.
Both attackers are under long-term contracts and have shown potential, but whether they can coexist effectively in the same Aston Villa team remains uncertain. With ongoing analysis of their performances, Emery hopes to establish a strong structure that allows both players to thrive, as Villa looks to improve their standing in the Premier League this season.