Jordan responds to dig from Villa striker Watkins

TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has moved to clarify comments he made about Ollie Watkins.

The former Crystal Palace chief stated that Watkins and Aston Villa would not worry Arsenal when the two teams met at the Emirates Stadium recently.

Watkins went on to score in a 2-0 Villa win and said post-game that Jordan's comments motivated him.

He said: "I put TalkSPORT on going to training the other day and heard Simon Jordan saying he's not worried about me or Aston Villa causing Arsenal problems. It is nice to prove doubters wrong. Nice for him to eat his own words, really."

In his Mail Online column, Jordan responded: "He had a little bite back at me the other day about observations I had made, seemingly forgetting that I've praised him endlessly.

"Ahead of last Sunday's game at the Emirates, I said I thought Arsenal were a better side than Villa, would beat them and would be able to deal with Watkins.

"That wasn't me diminishing him, I just thought Arsenal were a better team. But on the day they weren't, Villa were and he put in an outstanding performance of application, commitment and quality."

He continued: "Much is made of him starting his career at Exeter but all that shows is that English football is working because a great talent can find his level and flourish.

"Watkins has put in the hard work and is an honest, decent professional. He's a credit to himself and deserves everything that comes his way."