The Talk Villa Newsletter: #5
Villa complete thrilling comeback win over Everton as all eyes now switch to Champions League football...
So, who’s your favourite Aston Villa player right now, and why is it Jhon Duran?
Villa came from behind to secure a superb 3-2 win over Everton this past weekend, and our once mercurial frontman is now as consistent as can be in emerging as our match winner.
Despite controlling the game, Villa found themselves facing a two-goal deficit after 27 minutes, as what was considered by many to be a home banker, started to turn into a nightmare.
Such is the maturity, composure and belief within Unai Emery’s Villa though, we came storming back to seal all three points to continue our excellent start to the Premier League campaign, and it was Duran who produced a sensational winning goal once again.
No Duran Duran puns this week I’m afraid, but if he scores our winner in Europe in midweek, I might just go through their entire catalogue in the next newsletter.
Five key talking points as Villa produce thrilling comeback win vs Everton
Villa's patience, belief in way of playing fundamental
Emiliano Martinez conceded in his post-match interview that two years ago, he feels as though Villa probably lose this game after going 2-0 down.
This isn't the same Villa though, under Emery. While there was an obvious risk that we would panic and lose our way after falling behind in a game that we were controlling, instead we stayed calm, patient, composed and methodically broke Everton down time and time again.
That led to our three goals and comeback win, and so that belief and confidence in our way of playing and structure was fundamental to producing such a positive response as we stuck with it and didn't waver. There were other key moments that could have changed things, but it's ultimately another impressive three points.
Crucial boost for Watkins to get back amongst goals
It's been a difficult start to the season for Ollie Watkins, as he has missed some big chances and struggled to make a decisive impact up front.
Naturally, that would have started to impact his confidence, and so to get back amongst the goals in this one with a brace will be vital for him moving forward to try and rediscover his best form and consistency.
He admitted after the game that he's still not 100 percent physically after such a quick turnaround after EURO 2024, and he's been carrying a knock since. However, he will take a lot from this game, and it hopefully sets him up for a strong run of form in the coming weeks.
MORE: Fundamental boost for Villa as key figure rediscovers form
Duran does it again
It's been an incredible start to the season for Duran, who now has three winning goals in four games after his heroics against West Ham Utd and Leicester City.
This was the pick of the bunch by some distance though, as his stunning strike gave Jordan Pickford no chance and resulted in Villa Park erupting with what should be a serious contender for Goal of the Season. Emi Martinez was certainly all of us…
Aside from his decisive goals though, it's great to see Duran working hard for the team through pressing relentlessly and putting in a shift out of possession to establish himself as an effective fit for Emery's structure and style, and it's a great sign that he's maturing and ready to be a pivotal figure for us this season.
MORE: Decisive Villa ace delivers again but positivity goes beyond key impact
Tielemans continues to pull the strings
One of the common trends in all four games so far this season is Youri Tielemans relishing in his orchestrator in chief role as he continues to impress and make us tick in midfield.
The 27-year-old is flourishing in that midfield pivot role as he continues to fill the void left behind by Douglas Luiz, and he's now consistently playing his best football since joining us.
From his tenacity to his technical ability and vision to make passes that break the lines and set us off in attack, or his probing long balls that force mistakes from the opposition's defence and create openings for us. Tielemans has been such a positive influence and it's been a real joy to watch him operate in recent weeks.
MORE: Classy Villa ace continues to have crucial influence in key role
Emery shows his class with half-time tweak, Barkley impact key
While seeing Emiliano Buendia make his comeback from injury at senior level almost made this list, it has to be Emery's critical change at half-time that made such an important difference for us in the second half.
With Amadou Onana struggling in the opening 45 minutes, we needed a more effective presence in midfield to not only help us dictate tempo and possession, but to tactically give us additional creativity and quality in deeper areas to unlock Everton's defensive shape.
Emery identified that need, didn't waste time and made the change at the break, and it helped us build on our goal before half-time to turn things around and secure all three points. It was another example of his coaching class and tactical genius, but Ross Barkley deserves plenty of praise too for the influence he had alongside Tielemans to help us build sustained pressure, probe and eventually find breakthroughs.
MORE: Why fundamental factor was critical in inspiring Villa comeback win
Other notable news
Tribute to Gary Shaw
There was incredibly sad news to start this week as Villa legend Gary Shaw passed away.
After 213 appearances and 79 goals for the club, having established himself as a pivotal player in our success in the 1980s which included a League title and European Cup along with his individual accolades, he was one of our own and lived the dream.
From the tributes that have since followed the news, it’s clear how popular, loved and inspiring Shaw was for many, and so it’s a real loss for the Villa family. Rest in Peace, Gary.
Villa begin Champions League adventure
As Emery poignantly noted in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Young Boys, there is a constant reminder of our glorious history at Bodymoor Heath with images remembering our heroes from 1982.
The class of 2024 now have their opportunity to write their names into club folklore, and it begins with a trip to face Young Boys in Bern this week.
It promises to be a wonderfully exciting journey, one that will hopefully have more ups than downs, but there will be difficult experiences along the way too that will continue to mould this group into winners.
While there has rightly been anger, question marks and concerns off the pitch over some of the decision-making at the club with regards to ticket prices and other important aspects relating to supporters, it’s hoped we can create another timeless new chapter in our history this season with our exploits in Europe.
Positive news on the injury front…
Leon Bailey is back in the Villa squad for our Champions League opener, while both Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara continue to train with the group and edge closer to making their respective comebacks.
There was a huge boost on Saturday evening as there was the delightful sight of Emiliano Buendia making his highly-anticipated return, while Matty Cash is hopefully continuing to make progress in his recovery from the hamstring injury he sustained last month.
Emery will have to be mindful of Watkins after he conceded that he’s still not 100 percent having had to deal with niggles over the summer after EURO 2024, but it certainly feels as though we’re getting closer to being at full strength going into a crucial period in our season.
What did you make of Villa’s win over Everton? Your fondest memories of Gary Shaw? Predictions for Villa’s Champions League run? Leave a comment below for our mailbag feature.
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