Aston Villa boss Unai Emery insists that Tammy Abraham and Ollie Watkins can both play together as the former came off the bench to equalise in their 1-1 draw with Leeds at Villa Park.
Villa went behind in the first half through a free-kick from Anton Stach, and they were on the verge of a home defeat until substitute Abraham popped up in the 88th minute to net his first Premier League goal since scoring for Chelsea on Boxing Day 2020.
Watkins was selected to start by Emery, but the Spaniard is confident that both England internationals can operate together in the coming weeks as they continue their push for Champions League football next season.
Emery told BBC Sport: "He is competing to improve our attacking third with Ollie Watkins.
“We played both today because we needed him. He was good. Today we achieved one point with his goal.”
Abraham is relishing the competition with Watkins, having been at Villa before the latter joined in September 2020, during his spell on loan in the 2018/19 season, which saw the club promoted to the Premier League after success in the playoffs.
"We spoke about it a few times in training [playing together], and luckily we were able to grab the goal so the gaffer can see that it can work,” said Abraham.
“We know he is a top striker, and he has been here for a few years and scored many goals, so it is fantastic competition to have.”
Fought to the end pic.twitter.com/Tq1emRU5SI
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 21, 2026
Leeds boss Daniel Farke was full of praise for his side, as they picked up a well-earned point in their fight against the drop, which also extended their unbeaten league run to three matches.
“The outcome of this game was equal,” said the German.
“I am proud of my warriors today against a team in the title race. Top performance in the first half, didn't allow much.
“[It’s a] hard-fought and well-deserved point."