Emi Martinez says Ollie Watkins is Player of the Year as Aston Villa star fires cheeky message back at Troy Deeney criticism

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez believes teammate Ollie Watkins should be named Premier League player of the season.

Watkins scored his 19th goal of the campaign against Arsenal on Sunday as Villa beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

The 28-year-old helped his side secure a crucial victory in the race for a top four finish, while destroying the Gunners’ title hopes in the process.

He is having an unforgettable season and is now one goal behind the Premier League’s top scorer, Erling Haaland.

After the impressive victory for Unai Emery’s men, goalkeeper Martinez praised his striker.

“I think Ollie should win Player of the Season,” Martinez told Sky Sports.

“When you play for a Big Six team you get more credit, but Ollie has scored 19 goals with the chances he has.

“He should be a very, very good competitor.”

It will be difficult for Watkins to beat Haaland as well as Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah for the prize, but his goals mean he is definitely in the mix.

He is full of confidence and so much so that after the match he posted on social media to respond to the criticism.

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Last month, former Watford and Birmingham striker Troy Deeney admitted he was “not convinced” by Watkins.

Comparing Watkins to fellow England man Ivan Toney during the international break, Deeney told talkSPORT: “(I would prefer) Toney. He holds the ball better, his link-up play is great.

“With Ollie it’s going to sound negative but I promise you it’s not, he’s a winger trying to become a striker.

“That’s exactly who he is. He’s very good as a striker, but when Ivan stepped up and took that penalty (against Belgium), did you think he was going to miss? It’s not not the case.”

Watkins has now responded to those comments following his goal against Arsenal, posting a photo on Instagram of his celebration in which he made a hush motion.

The caption next to the photo mentioning Deeney read: “Not bad for a winger trying to become a striker.”

Aston Villa are now three points clear in the top four and Watkins and co have moved within one game of a Champions League place.