Photo Credit: Max Stokes (@VillaOnTour_ on X)
What a start to life in the Champions League. After the first 15 minutes or so, which was just as much about the pitch than it was the opposition, Villa then dominated the game to run out 3-0 winners away in Switzerland. It could, and should, have been even more comprehensive. Villa was expected to win the game, but the occasion could have been overwhelming. There will be tougher games to come in the competition, but this game far exceeded expectations with a measured, controlled, and professional performance. Here are four takeaways from matchday one:
Attacking Intent
Three goals from midfield plus two, unfairly, disallowed goals from the strikers. Villa is putting together a fine body of work in attacking areas. Against Young Boys (YB), Villa created 20 opportunities to shoot with 35% hitting the target. Villa enjoyed 84% possession with 30 touches in the penalty area. Morgan Rogers had eight of those which can be compared to the whole of YB’s team who had 13 touches. Whether it is strikers or midfielders, Villa is able to hurt the opposition in so many ways. The opening goal was another free kick creation from Austin McPhee; Youri Tielemans crowned his fine spell of football with Villa’s opening goal in the highest European football competition since Peter Withe in 1983.
Controlling Game through Possession
Villa’s work with the ball was impressive against YB. Once the pace of the pitch had been assessed, Villa very rarely looked in trouble in the game. The second half was particularly impressive as the home team did not get much chance to get back into the match. Villa controlled the game with accurate passing, at 84%, with Jacob Ramsey, Ezri Konsa, Tielemans, and Amadou Onana all exceeding 90% completion rates. Emi Buendia did not waste one of his three passes too in his short appearance. In a game where Villa needed to quieten the home crowd, they did just that.
Right Back to basics
It was clear that YB had done their homework. In the attempts to attack Villa, the right-hand side was targeted and Lamare Bogarde was tested once again. Following on from Everton’s onslaught on Saturday, YB applied the same tactic and put the young defender under pressure. Emery responded at half time with the switch of Konsa to right back to give Bogarde some respite from his steep learning curve. It is well documented that Emery is a big fan so the Dutchman will be back. However, whether Bogarde features against Wolves is another matter. Konsa may stay in the position until Matty Cash returns. Diego Carlos was sound at centre back, apart from one incident, so it could be Torres and Carlos again on Saturday.
Emery’s constant influence
We all know that Emery is the catalyst for Villa’s resurgence. It is obvious to see in each game. For example, the starting line up was a surprise in so much that there wasn’t one. So much talked of rotation, but Emery stuck with his team. It is empowering, Bogarde for one, that he trusts his players. Also, he is confident to make substitutions if required to bring about change. Most pleasing is that Emery does not take his foot off the pedal despite the score or situation. Keeping players honest in their endeavours is simple but brilliant. Jhon Durán looks like he tests Emery’s patience at times, but the Spaniard is more than happy to communicate his displeasure from the sidelines. For fans, that is great to see.