Aston Villa news: Ollie Watkins continues to deliver

I could tell from Ollie Watkinsâ€TM body language as he walked into the interview room that his vibe was two points dropped rather than being satisfied with a draw away from home.

Until Liam Delapâ€TMs equaliser, Aston Villa were set to go level on points with leaders Liverpool , and secure their best start to a top flight campaign since 1931.

While Villaâ€TMs defensive frailties remain and it is 11 Premier League matches since Unai Emeryâ€TMs side last kept a clean sheet, Watkinsâ€TM numbers show he is continuing to deliver on his established reputation for being one of Europe's most complete strikers.

Four goals and two assists from the opening six league games is a career best return for the 28-year-old.

Watkinâ€TMs described to me his one assist after the opening three matches as "a bit of slow start," and then retracted his follow up of "Iâ€TMm finding my feet now," a statement he viewed as "being too humble." He changed his stance, stating: "Iâ€TMm on a roll now so the goals are going to keep flowing." Such comments are more befitting of the elite aura heâ€TMs clearly keen to project.

Any suggestions of Watkins coming across as arrogant were quickly balanced out by acknowledging the role of his team-mates as he added: "The way the boys are playing and creating chances for me, itâ€TMs a dream to be honest. Iâ€TMm looking forward to many more games and many more goals."

Next up is the Champions League and Bayern Munich. Which, fitness permitting for the England captain, should provide the latest offering of the Harry Kane versus Watkins international debate which caught fire during the back end of Euro 2024.