Aston Villa’s resilience was on full display as Unai Emery’s men battled to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brentford, securing a crucial clean sheet and adding another three points to at least keep them in the European picture for next season. But what did this performance really tell us about Villa’s current state?
In the latest My Old Man Said Podcast, we break down:
- Defensive Stability & Emery’s Tactical Adjustments – Has the back four finally found its shape?
- Olsen’s Surprise Start – How did Villa’s backup keeper fare under pressure?
- Ollie Watkins’ Hot & Cold Finishing – Are his missed chances holding Villa back?
- Champions League & FA Cup Priorities – With the Premier League top-four race looking out of reach, where should Villa focus?
1. A Defence Taking Shape?
One of the major takeaways from the Brentford game was Emery’s decision to stick with the same defensive lineup from the first leg of the Brugge Champions League match-up. Is this a sign that Villa have finally settled on a reliable backline? Or did Emery simply want to keep it consistent to bed it down for the second leg against Brugge. Disasi’s presence, certainly so far has offered a potential pathway to improvement, adding an extra combative element along with Tyrone Mings.
If Villa are to be successful in the Champions League knockout rounds, having a consistent, solid back four will be crucial for Villa. But where does this leave Pau Torres?
2. Watkins: The 8/10 Striker Conundrum
Ollie Watkins got on the scoresheet, but once again, his finishing was a talking point. His well-taken goal was followed by another clear-cut missed chance, leading to an ongoing debate: Is Watkins good enough to lead a team to Champions League success?
His stats suggest a player comfortably capable of hitting double figures every season, but Villa’s inability to finish key chances could be the difference between a top-four push and missing out on elite European football.
3. Where Does Villa’s Focus Lie?
With a break in the Premier League until April, attention turns fully to the Champions League and FA Cup. Could Emery’s best route back into Europe actually be winning silverware? Villa’s squad is looking healthier than ever, but will Onana’s return have a meaningful impact?
Listen to the full episode now! We dive deep into all these topics and more, including the latest on Villa’s ticket pricing situation and why fans need to stay vocal about rising costs.
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