Wayne Rooney has expressed surprise at how Unai Emery is using Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa after they lost to Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Liverpool ended their torrid run of form with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch grabbing the goals.

Villa, on the contrary, saw their winning streak come to an end in what was a disappointing performance from Unai Emery’s side in England’s top flight.

Photo by Marc Atkins – AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images

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Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has shared some concerns about how Villa played on the evening.

Speaking to the BBC, the legendary Premier League goalscorer suggested he was confused by how Emery is using Ollie Watkins, who is “one of the best in the league at running channels.”

He said: “I think, watching the game, I just thought – what were Aston Villa doing? You know, 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...