As the shortest month of the year came to an end, so did Aston Villa’s most difficult month under new manager Steven Gerrard.
Villa picked up four points out of a possible twelve against four arguably weaker opponents. In this review, we will take a look at the five key points from February, as well as awarding Player of the Month. Finally, we will finish off with a prediction of how many points we can possibly acquire in March.
Five Key Points
The magician and the youth sensation
The first test for Steven Gerrard in February came in the form of Leeds United at home. After falling behind in disappointing fashion early on, it was a moment of magic from the Brazilian magician, Philippe Coutinho that gave Villa a footing in the game.
This wasn’t Coutinho’s only involvement against Leeds, as he assisted youth star Jacob Ramsey twice, putting Villa two in front. Unfortunately, the game finished 3-3 but it’s an exciting time to be a Villa fan with the prospect of watching this special duo in action for the rest of the season.
Konsa Sees Red
Not for the first time this season, Ezri Konsa picked up a red card and a subsequent two-match suspension, meaning Villa were without a crucial player for two of February’s fixtures.
However, Konsa’s suspension offered January signing, Calum Chambers the opportunity to impress. Chambers had a solid debut despite giving away the free kick that lead to Newcastle’s Kieran Tippier scoring the winning and only goal.
Despite Chambers stepping up in his hour(s) of need, it is likely that a Konsa-Mings partnership may have protected more points in these two fixtures. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and suspensions happen, but there is always a sense of ‘what if…’.
Chance after chance
Villa’s second and final home game of the month was a visit from Watford, which made for difficult viewing.
Villa had 20 shots on goal throughout the 90 minutes, but only managed to register one on target as the attacking play proved to be wasteful and lacking quality.
Watford’s late goal proved to be a crucial one as they cemented the league double over Villa, despite arriving at Villa Park in a dry spell under a conservative new manager. It was the moments of lacklustre forward play that prove to be most haunting after this fixture.
A future star
Villa’s last game in February saw the Premier League debut of 19 year-old Tim Iroegbunam as he picked up his first match minutes against Brighton at the Amex.
The youngster slipped into the number six role comfortably as a substitute and impressed during his cameo. These early promising signs have wet Villa fans’ tastebuds to see what the youngster can offer before the end of the season, given the strong appetite for a strong number six.
Two up top
For the final game of February, Gerrard decided to try both of his number 9’s in the same team after a stale few weeks in front of goal. This was a statement selection after many questioned the chemistry between Watkins and Ings on-field, however this time it proved to be effective this specific set-up.
Watkins grabbed his first goal in seven games, while Danny Ings celebrated in fine fashion, putting to bed the absurd rumours that the pair do not like each other. Hopefully this performance gives them the confidence they need to push on for the rest of the season.
February Player Of The Month
There arguably were not many stand-out players from February despite the likes of Jacob Ramsey and Coutinho starting the month in an impressive fashion. However, there has been one player who has been incredibly consistent since he first pulled on the claret and blue jersey and that is our number one, Emi Martinez. Despite a tricky start to the month, conceding three to Leeds United, Martinez picked up his form with two impressive displays to keep Villa in the games against Watford and Newcastle. Finally, Martinez registered another clean sheet against Brighton in yet another impressive performance, adding to his other 21 clean sheets in a Villa shirt.
The Month Ahead
Villa have an interesting set of fixtures in March which could seriously test Gerrard’s team. Villa will look to add to the three points they picked up against Brighton as they host Southampton at home on March 5th. That comes before two away trips to Leeds and West Ham, before finishing the month with a visit from Arsenal. Optimistically thinking, I can see Villa picking up seven points from these fixtures, but I would be happy if we could pick up at least six with wins over Southampton and Leeds.
Be sure to let us know how you are feeling after February’s results, and how you think Villa will fair in March by interacting with us via our Twitter @UTVpodcast_ .
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