Burnley

Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend's action

08-Feb-2021 08:00:34 | The Guardian

Watkins shows Arsenal what they are missing, Loftus-Cheek shows promise at Fulham and Dummett the man for all jobs

Ollie Watkins is in a rich vein of form and improving by the game. His winner against Arsenal was his fourth goal in five, bringing his Premier League tally to 10 in 21 games since arriving at Aston Villa from Brentford. He could have had a couple more on Saturday but perhaps the 25-year-old’s most impressive feature is the way he leads the line. Watkins is a hive of movement, rarely giving defenders a moment’s peace, and looks as comfortable coming deep or working the channels as he does operating off the shoulder. He is exactly the kind of striker Arsenal might fancy if, as many suspect, Alexandre Lacazette moves on in the summer but there is little suggestion they would be able to afford him. “He’s selfless in terms of his workrate,” said Dean Smith, who said the £28m they paid the Championship club for his services bought them the surest thing possible. “He’s such a good footballer but a good teammate as well. The football Brentford played was Premier League ready, so I knew he was ready to come in.” Smith’s confidence is being paid back handsomely. Nick Ames

• Match report: Aston Villa 1-0 Arsenal