Goals from Diego Carlos and Ollie Watkins helped Aston Villa come from behind to claim a crucial 2-1 win over AZ Alkmaar in Group E of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
This result sees Villa consolidate their position within the top two as AZ remain bottom with two games to go.
Join Liam and George as they discuss all of the major talking points from last night’s key victory at Villa Park…
Words by: Liam Davies
OFFSIDES, OFFSIDES AND MORE OFFSIDES…
It seems like you cannot get through a full 90 minutes without seeing at least one contentious offside decision nowadays and last night’s game at Villa Park was no different.
It took just three minutes for the first to crop up after Leon Bailey was controversially deemed offside, chalking off Clement Lenglet’s header. Ollie Watkins revealed after the game that the referee had apologised and got it wrong; thankfully, it was a decision that wouldn’t cost the side in the end.
The next incident was a little clearer with AZ’s Sven Mijnans standing a yard or so off, meaning Vangelis Pavlidis‘ 43rd minute tap-in was rightfully disallowed.
The third contentious offside call again involved Alkmaar’s Greek marksman, but this time the goal would stand. Pavlidis, who now has 16 goals in all competitions this season, was deemed ever so slightly onside, managing to evade the Villa high-line, despite looking like he’d just timed his run too late to the naked eye. The number nine would go on to convert past Emi Martinez and put his side ahead.
The fourth – yes fourth – contentious decision of the game involved Ollie Watkins’ match-winning goal, with Villa’s top-scorer, who has just been called up to Gareth Southgate’s England set up for November’s international fixtures, narrowly evading the linesman’s flag to head Douglas Luiz’s pin-point ball past Matt Ryan and into the back of the net.
The whole VAR discussion is getting a bit boring now. When it works, it’s great, but that’s the issue – it doesn’t always work and that’s why people are getting frustrated. The whole system needs a refresh so fans aren’t left guessing and walking out of stadiums with VAR on their minds.
Can I ask a quick favour?
We love producing content for you on our website, and we want to share it with as many Villa fans as possible. Consider mentioning our website next time you’re talking Villa with your friends, or better still, It’s free to subscribe to our profit-free site; you’ll receive instant email notifications of all released articles.
Plus, as with the website, no adverts or spam mail will be delivered to your mailbox; only our content. Thanks.
A MIDFIELD MASTERCLASS
Youri Tielemans was simply excellent last night and showed exactly why he was once sought after by many of the top clubs around Europe.
The Belgian has struggled to get into Unai Emery’s side since joining on a free over the summer, with his midfield counterparts performing consistently well, leaving no space for the number eight.
Emery has trusted the former Fox in the Conference League however, and to good effect too, with the 26-year-old recording back to back man of the match performances in both games against Alkmaar in Group E.
Tielemans looked energetic and purposeful on and off the ball, always looking to deliver killer passes out to the wings or into the front-two. His press was measured and well-thought out indicating that he is slowly but surely taking on board the head coach’s instructions and adapting to the new system.
If he carries on this way, he can be just as effective as we all hoped he’d be and become a crucial cog in Emery’s claret and blue machine.
His partner in crime in the middle, Boubacar Kamara, was also impressive last night and was a close second for that player of the match accolade.
The Frenchman has been a revelation in the Aston Villa side since joining last summer; finally filling the missing number six void that was apparent for several years. It was a typical Boubacar Kamara performance yesterday evening, direct on the ball and bullish without it. The less said about the miss, the better, though.
It wouldn’t be a night at Villa Park without Douglas Luiz contributing to a goal either, would it? The Brazilian started on the bench, but was a part of a triple change in the 74th minute and the number six – as he has been time and time again this season – was the difference maker, delivering an inch-perfect pass into Ollie Watkins’ path for the striker to head home.
The 25-year-old just oozes class and continues to shine under Unai Emery’s guidance. Luiz deservedly received a call-up to the Brazilian national side earlier this week and a nomination for the October Premier League player of the month, albeit the former Manchester City man didn’t win it.
It’s hard not mention John McGinn either. The captain was his typical tremendous self again last night and played a significant part in the side’s comeback.
Sorry for interrupting the flow of the post; can you help support us? Our non-profit and ad-free website, UTVPODCAST | The Website, is now accepting small donations to help support its continuous evolution and operating costs. We love creating this content for you and want it to be as successful as possible. If you can help; treat us to a coffee. Thank you.
A DISTINCT LACK OF CLEAN SHEETS
Despite yet another masterful performance on home soil, it has become apparent that this side concedes too many goals and Emi Martinez is picking the ball out of his net far too often.
Villa have recorded just three clean sheets all season – a major contrast to last season where Villa were defensively sound and tight at the back.
Take nothing away from Clement Lenglet and Diego Carlos last night though. The pair look to be going from strength to strength in their partnership and are becoming viable options to cover on those European nights.
They both should’ve been on the score sheet on the night, with Lenglet’s early goal incorrectly ruled out and Carlos heading in the equaliser on the hour mark. At the other end, the duo were solid and have adapted well to the high-line system that Emery encourages; the two were organised and kept their shape well throughout the 90 minutes. Let’s hope Carlos’ injury isn’t too bad.
The full-back pairing was a positive one; Lucas Digne had little to do defensively and his attacking poise is always a threat but the Frenchmen did waste a number of good crossing opportunities and will have Moreno breathing down his neck now the Spaniard is fit.
Konsa, meanwhile, continues to ooze class in a somewhat unfamiliar right back position – just how did he miss out on the England squad again?
CRUCIAL VICTORY
After Unai Emery’s 100th European win and 100% record against Alkmaar in the double header, Villa find themselves with the knockouts in their grasp and a draw in their next game against Zrinjski Mostar will be enough to qualify out of Group E.
It was beginning to look a bit nervy for the Villans after match-day two as Group E was perfectly balanced; all four teams had the same number of points and goal difference, leaving it with all to play for in the remaining fixtures and making the two games against Pascal Jansen’s side nothing short of vital.
UEFA head-to-head ruling’s means Villa sit second after the triumph’s over the Eredivisie side, despite bettering Legia Warsaw’s goal difference. This means that when the Polish outfit visit Villa Park in a few weeks time, Emery’ side must win if they wish to top the group and avoid the exiting Europa League sides to receive a more favourable knockout draw.
With Alex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey’s return imminent, the Villa squad is looking strong and depth shouldn’t be an issue post international break for our trip to Tottenham. Here’s hoping for a healthy return for all players representing their country and Diego Carlos who came off with a problem last night.
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR: LIAM DAVIES
“Thank you for reading: any likes, retweets, or shares on the social media post where you found this article would be highly appreciated“.
“Are you on Twitter? Drop me a follow; all released articles will be posted to my feed”.
Click the icon below…
Thumbnail Media Credit: www.avfc.co.uk
HUGE SAVINGS ON ASTON VILLA MERCHANDISE @ KITBAG
UTVPODCAST | The Website is pleased to partner with Official AVFC Store, Fanatics, and Kitbag. Throughout the season, we will bring you exclusive offers and discount codes.
