In brief
Aston Villa lost to Crystal Palace in a lopsided FA Cup semifinal.
Ollie Watkins had trouble up top and was unable to put a shot on goal.
Arsenal wants to sign Watkins, but they should consider considering another youngster who made an impression that evening.
At Wembley Stadium, the Eagles advanced to the FA Cup final for the first time in over ten years after defeating the Villans 3-0 in Saturday’s semi-final, causing joy for Crystal Palace and heartache for Aston Villa. Oliver Glasner’s team won thanks to goals from Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr, while Maxence Lacroix and Dean Henderson put up strong defensive displays that prevented Unai Emery’s team from scoring.
Ollie Watkins, who was in the starting lineup for the Midlands team without Marcus Rashford, had a miserable evening. Before the Manchester United loanee moved to Villa Park, Watkins was the centre of attention. Since then, he has failed to have the same influence and hasn’t held back when expressing his displeasure with his play and form.
He is still a target for Premier League powerhouse Arsenal, who desperately need a number nine to propel them to both domestic and European success, despite recent setbacks. But Watkins’ subpar performance only served to emphasise the qualifications of an unsung hero of the opposition, someone Mikel Arteta might to think about looking into more.
At Wembley, Mateta Outperforms Watkins
After missing a penalty, the Frenchman recovered to put in a strong performance.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s talent, who worked relentlessly throughout the match and was extremely unfortunate not to have left with a goal, only served to highlight Watkins’ trouble at the top end for Villa. Emery’s defenders were often troubled by the Frenchman, who pressed hard from the front to prevent players like Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa from settling on the ball.
Unfortunately, he was not given the first goal because Torres stole the ball from him and tucked past Emi Martinez, and it was decided that he had fouled him. Replays revealed that Mateta had been kicked by the Spaniard, and during the BBC’s coverage, Wayne Rooney was incensed at the decision. Mateta was involved once more shortly after, making remarkable progress as he charged from his own half to the edge of the Villa penalty area on the right, nearly picking Sarr out at the back post.
His only slip-up of the night occurred in the second half, when Eze’s penalty kick provided his 27-year-old teammate the ideal opportunity to score. But his 12-yard attempt missed because he opened his body too far and clipped the outside of the post. Unfazed, he replied magnificently, netting an assist minutes later by putting Sarr in position for a long-range low-driven stunner.
His evening’s high point was a last-ditch tackle within his own penalty area that even Paolo Maldini would have been proud of, as if his offensive efforts weren’t enough. Since his performance summed up everything Watkins was lacking, it is understandable that he was given a thunderous ovation when he was substituted in the 79th minute.
Watkins, however, remained anonymous. No shots. Not a single successful dribble. Only eight of the ten passes were completed. Out of seven duels, he only won one. Watkins didn’t accomplish his goal of demonstrating that he was still superior to Rashford. It might be time for someone to take a chance on the Palace player, and Mikel Arteta would be the ideal choice, especially because Mateta is blazing at the other end of the pitch.
Mateta as an Arteta Low-Risk Alternative
The 27-year-old is a much more cost-effective substitute.
Arsenal obviously needs a striker. Each option has its own set of questions, even though the list appears to be unlimited. Although Alexander Isak has frequently been mentioned, will Newcastle actually move their best player to a direct rival? Though he has a lot of potential, Benjamin Sesko might end up like Rasmus Hojlund, a young talent who is unable to live up to expectations.
Although Viktor Gyokeres checks a lot of boxes, there will be intense rivalry for his signature throughout Europe. Ollie Watkins, meanwhile, has nearly eliminated himself from contention due to his recent play, which tonight’s performance just served to highlight.
Thus, the question arises: why not Mateta? Most clubs are still observing from a distance, even though other clubs may be circling. Mikel Arteta, a Premier League-proven striker allegedly valued at over £40 million, might have a clear shot at the 27-year-old if he chooses to jump in. Arsenal would then have more money to invest in other crucial areas, like the left wing and midfield.
Mateta should be a major target when the transfer market opens, whether it’s Arsenal or another elite team.
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