Villa vs Forest – Another Great European Night
There was a moment in the Europa League semi-final at Villa Park before a ball was kicked, ahead of the Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest players even walking out, when it became clear this was going to be a special kind of night. Villa Park was already answering the question before anyone asked it – would the crowd turn up? On European nights, Villa Park sits among the best English football stadiums. It’s hard to explain what specific quality separates it from a normal English football experience on big European nights. I suppose loudness is front and centre of any diagnosis.
From the opening minutes, with a raucous Villa Park backing the players, it became obvious that’s Forest’s 1-0 lead from the first leg was never going to be enough.
The My Old Man Said podcast looks back on Villa’s 4-0 win, that won the semi-final 4-1 on aggregate. From the cracking atmosphere to Unai Emery’s decision to bring in Victor Lindelöf: where the idea came from, what Lindelof was actually being asked to do, and why it neutralised Forest’s main aerial threat before they had time to use it.
The show also looks at the impact of some of the other main movers in the 4-0 win.
Emery Buendia, who crackled with creative electricity throughout the game in a man of the match performance, showing when he is on song, he’s a different player than the one who can be frustrating in is inconsistency.
Then there’s John McGinn, scoring twice in trademark style, a Watkins’ performance that represents exactly what Villa need from him on the biggest nights.
Next stop Istanbul, and we look at the significance of the upcoming night in Turkey.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
GET AD-FREE SHOWS and JOIN MATCH CLUB
Get ad-free shows and extra shows, and join My Old Man Said’s 24/7 Villa community, Match Club.
For more details and to become a member, click here: Become a MOMS Member
Join the show’s listener facebook group The Mad Few.
Credits:
David Michael – @myoldmansaid
Chris Budd – @BUDD_music