Something for the Weekend – Monaco, Celtic and Hammers
The latest episode of the My Old Man Said podcast dives into Aston Villa’s frustrating 1-0 loss against Monaco, the critical upcoming clash with Celtic in the Champions League, the important Premier League clash with West Ham, and the ongoing challenge of improving the team’s mentality and consistency under Unai Emery.
Here’s a preview of the three key topics discussed in the show.
1. Monaco Defeat: A Missed Opportunity
Villa’s disappointing performance in Monaco was the focal point of the discussion, with Emery’s frustration at his players’ lack of focus and execution taking centre stage. The game was billed as pivotal for securing a top-eight finish and valuable breathing space in February’s busy schedule, but the team’s inability to capitalise on key moments left fans and Emery questioning the squad’s mentality. Despite dominating possession for 70 minutes, defensive lapses on set-pieces and wasted chances defined the match.
2. Celtic Clash: High Stakes at Villa Park
Attention turns to the crunch tie against Celtic, a match that could determine Villa’s fate in the Champions League. The stakes are high as Villa not only need to win but must also hope for favourable results elsewhere to secure a top-eight spot. With Celtic playing without pressure and likely buoyed by the occasion, the hosts discuss the pressure on Villa to deliver a dominant performance while managing the mental weight of relying on other results.
Meanwhile, in the Premier League, Villa need to take care of business at Villa Park against West Ham to stay in touch with the European places this season.
3. Mentality Matters: Emery’s Long-Term Vision
Emery’s post-Monaco comments highlighted a recurring theme – the need to overhaul Villa’s mentality. The podcast delves into Emery’s frustrations with players failing to adapt tactically and lacking the composure to grind out results in critical moments. Comparing Villa’s inconsistency to the mental fortitude of top teams like Liverpool, the hosts discuss whether Emery’s vision of a mentally resilient team can be achieved and what steps need to be taken in the upcoming transfer windows to make that a reality.
Listen below on Spotify or on your favourite podcast platform
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Credits:
David Michael – @myoldmansaid
Chris Budd – @BUDD_music
