In Gameweek 35, Everton handed Aston Villa’s European hopes a massive lifeline. Now it’s up to Villa to capitalise on this massive chance as they host sixth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. For Brighton, Spurs, and Villa, it’s do-or-die.
I spoke to a Spurs fan to find out more about Spurs’ season so far…
THE OPPOSITION VIEW
In the last few months things have gone from bad to worse for Spurs. In recent weeks, it looks to have spread onto the pitch. Would you say that Spurs have entered a full-on crisis?
It feels as though this season just continues to go from bad to worse. Ever since Conte went on that scathing rant about the players, the confidence has just gone. Add to that the worsening relations between the board and the fans, and it could be described as a crisis. It’s certainly very close to a crisis off the pitch.
The only sign of positivity comes on the pitch. It is vital that Levy and the Spurs keep hold of Captain Kane no matter what this season. If Kane goes, the club is without a doubt entering a crisis.
Spurs have been without a permanent manager since March and have even replaced their interim manager. In an ideal world, who you would be in your dugout next season? Who do you think you will end up with?
At this point, I’d take anyone—literally anyone. Ryan Mason, while far from ideal, knows the club from top to bottom and could invite the drastic change in attitude in the locker room we need. Think of it as a similar sort of idea to Arteta, although probably not that successful.
In an ideal world, we’d go and chuck everything at Nagelsmann. Ultimately, Levy won’t want to spend that money, and we’ll be back at square one in six months’ time.
As always, Harry Kane has been one of the only people that has consistently turned up for Spurs this season. Besides England’s top scorer, who would you say has impressed this season?
The inconsistency of the squad means that that is a very difficult question. Kane has been his phenomenal self all season. That’s just standard for him. He’s been very good, but the success of Haaland this season has overshadowed that.
The next best has probably been, when he’s played, Bentancur. He has managed to anchor that midfield well and link defence to attack well.
Finally, what’s your score predictions?
It’s a massive game for both teams. We are in rocky form but so are you. I’ll go for us to just edge it 2-1.
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.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | WILL TOTTENHAM GET EUROPE?
As the race towards Europe heats up, it looks as though Villa, Brighton, and Spurs are competing for two spots. While Spurs have the experience of fighting for Europe, Villa and Brighton have something that Tottenham don’t: a permanent manager.
In this Opposition Focus, I’ll be looking at how the Spurs have performed in recent weeks. I’ll be assessing how Spurs’ lack of a permanent manager has impacted them and how likely they are to grab one of the two remaining European spots.
First off, let’s look at the way the Spurs line up. Through all the inconsistencies of the Spurs this season, one thing has remained fairly consistent: The formation and the squad Under Conte, Spurs predominantly lined up with three at the back with high attacking wingbacks. These wingbacks, usually Perisic, Porro, or Royal, are crucial to the way that Spurs get up the pitch.
This system highlights key individuals, specifically the likes of Romero, who flourishes in the middle of the three centre-backs. Further up the field, the use of Harry Kane, Son, Kulusevski, and Richarlison is cleverly worked to bring out the best of all three of the four that are playing.
The three attackers do not have fixed positions and can alternate between games, allowing Kane to drop back and link up play while Son, for example, joins the highest attacking line. This allows Spurs to be unpredictable in their attacking play, making it harder to defend against.
In terms of Spurs’ style of play, I think the best way to describe it is as chaotic, the antithesis of how Emery plays. Spurs’ constant attack style leads to them having several shots on goal. In fact, they have one of the highest percentages of shots taken in the league.
The problem lies in what happens after the shot is saved. Spur’s high positioning leaves them susceptible to being counterattacked. Emery, being as obsessed tactically as he is, will be quick to note this. This may mean we see a more direct than usual approach from Villa to capitalise on Tottenham’s defensive frailty.
So how likely are Spurs to beat us and Brighton to a European spot? In truth, they are probably more likely. Spurs are currently sat in sixth two point clear of Brighton, three of Villa. They have the experience of getting Europe and probably the easiest run in. Saying that, this is Spur we are talking about so a complete crumble isn’t out of the question. I think they’ll pick up a spot though.
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 are able to help, please click the PayPal button below.
MY PREDICTION
Like I said at the start of this Opposition, it’s now do or die for all three teams competing for Europe. Especially after the loss to Wolves, it feels like Villa must win this to keep their European dream alive.
Last time there was a game of this importance at Villa Park, we annihilated Newcastle. We need the performance and the atmosphere to mirror that game. I’m going to predict a late Villa onslaught to win 2-0 courtesy of McGinn and Watkins.
Lets go and grab this European spot. UP THE VILLA!
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR: ELLIS BURNETT
“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…
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive ellisburnett – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
HUGE SAVINGS ON ASTON VILLA MERCHANDISE @ KITBAG
UTVPODCAST is pleased to partner with Official AVFC Store, Fanatics, and Kitbag. Throughout the season, we will bring you exclusive offers and discount codes.
HIT THE IMAGE – to be diverted.
One Response
Great read, with a positive outcome…2-0 Villa prediction, just what I myself was thinking ! UTV.
Comments are closed.