EMERY PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS DEADLY DUO

OLLIE Watkins and Morgan Rogers have now combined for more goals than any other duo in the Premier League since the start of last season.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

The pair added to their tally on Saturday afternoon as they linked up, to open the scoring against Nottingham Forest.

After Youri Tielemans showcased his awareness by finding Rogers in a pocket of space, Rogers quickly played the ball to Watkins, who shifted it and blasted past John Victor.

John McGinn then scored twice in the second half, either side of a Morgan Gibbs-White goal, which had brought the score to 2-1 on the hour mark.

"Wow, Morgan and Watkins are both fantastic players," Emery said when asked about the duo. "They are fantastic competitors themselves.

"They are both focusing on improving things, and their commitment here is massive. Their commitment to Aston Villa and with us.

"They set standards with their behaviour every day. They have a competitive way every day, not just now but every day on the training ground.

"They are so professional in everything, and it is fantastic to have players like them. I am proud of them."

Watkins broke the deadlock on the cusp of halftime at the weekend with a powerful strike from outside the box, before skipper John McGinn scored either side of Morgan Gibbs-White's goal on the hour mark.