Unai Emery ‘becomes a meme’ with bizarre reply when asked about Ollie Watkins’ squad omission for Villa vs Brighton

ASTON VILLA boss Unai Emery has wasted no time in becoming a meme once again, as he gave a bizarre response in his pre-match interview ahead of his team’s opening day clash at Brighton. When quizzed on Saudi-linked Ollie Watkins‘ absence from the squad, the Spanish gaffer opted for “silence”. Unai Emery has become a meme once again after a funny response to a question about Ollie Watkins Credit: Shutterstock Editorial After Villa’s go-to striker was left out of the squad entirely, presumably due to a rumoured move to Saudi Arabia, gaffer Emery was asked about the situation. And his response was bizarre to say the least. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! After a good few seconds of awkward silence, Emery said “silence” before holding exactly the same blank facial expression. Fans enjoyed the interaction, as one wrote: “Silence. That has great meme potential.” Another said: “That is, in fact, a very normal Unai Emery answer.” Emery’s cool emotions before the game would have been very different by half-time, as his team found themselves 4-0 down with 10 men. The horror show began with Victor Lindelof‘s own-goal inside eight minutes. It took just ten more minutes for the Seagulls to double their lead, as Maxim De Cuyper opened his account. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS And a one-minute brace from Arsenal-linked Jack Hinshelwood firmly rubbed salt in Villa wounds as they found themselves 4-0 up after 31 minutes. Speaking of rubbing salt in the wounds, new signing Joao Gomes was given his marching orders on the 40 minute mark following a horror debut. The Brazilian gave away possession and kicked out at Brighton man Georginio Rutter. Gomes was originally shown a yellow for the challenge, but VAR rightfully stepped in, and he was sent for an early bath at the Amex. Comment now