Wayne Rooney has questioned Unai Emery’s tactics after Aston Villa’s disappointing 2–0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday evening — particularly how the manager is using striker Ollie Watkins.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch ended Liverpool’s poor run of form, while Villa’s own winning streak was brought to a halt in a performance that raised more questions than answers for the Midlands side.
Rooney questions Emery’s use of Watkins
Speaking on BBC Sport, Rooney admitted he was baffled by Villa’s insistence on playing out from the back rather than using Watkins’ pace and movement to exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line.
“I think, watching the game, I just thought – what were Aston Villa doing? Arne Slot even came out and said they struggle with long balls, and Liverpool are a very good pressing team. They had warning signs before the Salah goal, but they kept trying to play out from the back – in their own six-yard box – and they were getting caught. They were lucky not to concede before they did, and yet they just kept going. I was thinking, what are you doing? They’ve got Ollie Watkins, who’s one of the best in the league at running the channels, spinning, and turning. I don’t get it.” — Wayne Rooney, via BBC Sport
When asked what Emery might have been trying to achieve, Rooney sympathised with the Spaniard’s philosophy but argued that Villa played directly into Liverpool’s hands.
“I get that managers want to stick to their game plan, but sometimes you come up against teams – like at Anfield – where you just can’t give them encouragement. Liverpool pressed really well, but Villa played right into their hands. There was no way they were going to win that game playing like that.” — Wayne Rooney
Is Ollie Watkins being misused by Unai Emery?
Few Premier League strikers thrive on running into channels and stretching defences like Watkins, but his current role under Emery appears to limit those strengths.
This season, the England international has found the net just once in 14 appearances, with an xG of 1.74, 1.4 shots per game, and three big chances missed.
Against Liverpool, his struggles were even more stark:
- 0 shots
- 9 completed passes
- 18 total touches
Rooney’s comments reflect a growing view that Watkins is being isolated up front, unable to influence matches the way he once did.
Emery’s tactical dilemma
Emery has transformed Aston Villa into one of the Premier League’s most structured sides, but Saturday’s defeat exposed a tactical rigidity that may need revisiting.
By prioritising possession play from the back — even against high-pressing sides like Liverpool — Villa limited their attacking outlets. Watkins’ lack of involvement typified a team struggling to adapt when pressed.
The Spanish coach must now decide whether to stick with his philosophy or adjust his setup to get the best from his striker.
Key Stats – Ollie Watkins (2025/26 Premier League)
| Stat (2025/26) | Ollie Watkins |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 14 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Pass Accuracy | 68% |
source: Sofascore match data – November 3, 2025
Watkins’ numbers underline why Wayne Rooney is concerned. For a striker known for his off-ball movement and pressing, one goal in 14 games shows he’s being starved of quality service and space to attack. His low pass accuracy reflects how isolated he often becomes in Emery’s possession system, limiting his influence in buildup play.
Our View: Time for Emery to unleash Watkins again
In our view, Rooney has a point — Aston Villa are limiting Watkins by using him in a possession-focused system that fails to exploit his pace and channel running.
At his best, Watkins stretches defences, opens up space for midfielders, and thrives on direct transitions. If Emery tweaks his tactical approach, the striker could rediscover the form that once made him one of the league’s most feared forwards.
What’s next for Aston Villa and Watkins
Villa face Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on Thursday, where they’ll be desperate to bounce back and reignite Watkins’ confidence. The 28-year-old remains one of the Premier League’s most hard-working forwards, but his form in front of goal must improve if Villa are to challenge for European qualification again this season.
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