Photo Credit: Daniel Taylor (danieltayla2022 on Threads)
According to Unai Emery, the first half against Wolves yesterday was the worst since he took over at the club. It is hard to disagree as Villa were unrecognizable from the team that has started the season so well. Emery disappeared down the tunnel before the first half ended as he prepared to get through the lengthy list of problems he needed to address. The second half was a much better performance, sparked by the introduction of Ross Barkley and Ian Maatsen, and Villa found three goals after the 72nd minute to take the three points.
Emery was clearly unhappy with his team even after the game as his interview on MOTD testified. It was another three points, taking Villa to third place overnight, but highlighted Villa’s Achilles heel. Also, John McGinn picking up a hamstring injury which, according to Emery, rules out the Villa captain for the near future. McGinn “will be not available, I think, for a few weeks” was Emery’s assessment after in his post-match interview.
Here are my four takeaways from the game:
Villa need Cash back
Villa’s right back conundrum is starting to cause problems. It is not a coincidence that Wolves goal, a smart finish after insightful anticipation from Matheus Cunha, came from Villa’s right-hand side. Diego Carlos’ woeful ball was symptomatic of a player short of playing time. Furthermore, his desire to assimilate into the silky-smooth passing play led to the error. Ezri Konsa has been solid out wide, but the return of Cash allows him to return to his better position. Cash would also been a more likely outlet for attacking down the right as Villa’s main thrust comes from Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers both taking up positions on the opposite wing.
Champions League and Premier League in a week is difficult
The joy of midweek Champions League travails soon became distant memories at Villa Park as Wolves set about bringing the cut and thrust of a Midlands derby. Villa did not respond. If anything, they looked like they were still dreaming of fondue and cuckoo clocks rather than what was in front of them. Emery looked the epitome of anger at times as he saw a meek and toothless version of the team he is building. Now, his half-time talk made a difference, and three points were secured yet again. However, Emery is cognizant that one of these games is going to go very differently against tougher opposition. The results from Tuesday and Saturday were, ultimately, successful but the modus operandi was lacking.
Barkley is a baller
Having the quality of Ross Barkley coming off the bench is joyous. Villa fans were subjected to another masterclass from the midfielder as he unlocked the door to Wolves’ defence. His presence injected life into Youri Tielemans who produced another display to rave over. Barkley’s understated play takes Villa to another dimension at times. It was good to see Barkley clearing up balls then directing the play. Like Jhon Durán, he is guilty of being too good off the bench and it begs the question of why you would change that. Perhaps Wycombe on Tuesday will be an opportunity for a full 90 minutes of the midfielder.
Watkins and Duran are scoring goals for fun
Once Watkins had shaken off the malaise that had affected him and his teammates, he looked sharp. His goal was a typical striker’s goal where he got into position and hit the target. Once Durán came on, and Villa had both strikers up top, Watkins dropped slightly deeper at times to link up the play. Duran, on the other hand, is one-tracked and it is wonderful to see. Durán has pace and likes to get into positions to score. After last week’s screamer against Everton, defenders feel as if they must close him down which opens spaces. Playing both strikers must be an option for Emery even if he tries it for a brief time. One of them is bound to score. Probably both.