The Talk Villa Newsletter: #6
Three wins in seven days, Emery ball in full flow and the potential for more activity ahead of the transfer deadline...
Villa turn on the style in Burnley win
So, I’m usually not one for hyperbole and getting ahead of myself, but we’re obviously winning the lot this year, right?
Sure, wins over Everton and Burnley and a midweek thumping of Hibernian in Europe sandwiched in between don’t necessarily scream out as trophy-winning credentials just yet, but my word it’s been fun watching the boys this past week.
Barring an unthinkable collapse at Villa Park on Thursday night in the second leg of our Europa Conference League play-off round tie, Villa are on course to advance to the group stage, and we’ll even be able to rest a few players ahead of our trip to Liverpool on Sunday.
Then comes one of those previously enjoyable but now annoying international breaks, but on the basis of the performance at Turf Moor this past weekend, we head to Anfield with plenty of confidence and belief.
A quick one for the stat-lovers out there, only Manchester City (62) have won more Premier League points in 2023 than Aston Villa (49). Ooof.
Burnley 1-3 Villa - the talking points
Cash relishes more advanced role this time
Emery deployed the Polish international in an advanced role on the right of our midfield last season against Wolves in a tweak that ultimately didn’t work that night.
However, as with many tactical solutions and improvements that the Villa boss has made since he arrived, he has clearly worked hard with Cash on being more effective in that position and now has an important alternative option at his disposal moving forward.
The Villa man was excellent on Sunday as he got into dangerous positions and bagged his brace with two good finishes, with 19 passes and nine players involved before his second. Further, his link-up play with Diaby was impressive throughout and so he’ll hope to build on that now if he is asked to play there again this week.
Diaby a crucial addition to Villa attack
The Frenchman not only took his goal brilliantly, but he produced a decisive moment at a crucial stage in the game with Burnley getting on top and applying pressure.
It changed the complexion of the encounter entirely, and so in addition to being a dynamic presence in the final third with his movement and threat as he provided the assist for Cash’s second too, he is a clear difference maker already.
The speed with which he has settled and integrated into the system and style of play has been impressive, and it’s hoped that there is still much, much more to come from him.
Digne continues impressive form amid transfer talk
That’s now four assists in his last two games as Lucas Digne has swept speculation over his future aside and focused on improving his performances.
It’s an important boost not only seeing him get into key areas down our left flank, but also adding a consistent and decisive end product to our attacking play.
As we’ve seen with Alex Moreno, Emery wants his left-back to push forward and provide good deliveries into the box, predominantly cut backs from advanced positions. Digne did exactly that in this one, and it’s looking a lot more promising from him.
Carlos providing timely solution
Losing Tyrone Mings for most, if not all, of this season was a terrible blow, and that increased the responsibility on the shoulders of Pau Torres, Ezri Konsa and Diego Carlos to fill that void.
With Emery liking the option of deploying Konsa at right-back, it has led to a more prominent role for Carlos, who has now had back-to-back starts and played a full 90 minutes in both outings in two games over five days.
Not only that, but the Brazilian centre-half is looking physically imposing, quick in his recovery to get across and nullify a threat and is becoming sharper with his defensive work. He still needs a little work on the accuracy of his distribution, but it’s a vital boost for us to have him back playing at a high level after his long-term injury setback.
McGinn leads stellar midfield performance
Both Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz deserve plenty of credit for their ability to break Burnley’s rhythm and dictate tempo and possession for us, but John McGinn’s performance stood out too.
The Villa captain kept finding pockets of space in midfield and the final third and played key passes to set us off on dangerous attacks, some of which ultimately led to our goals.
Given there were doubts raised over his ability to play on the left of our midfield and how that impacted our balance in that area of the pitch after the first game, it’s been some turnaround to prove he can deliver in yet another role.
Zaniolo impresses on debut
While it may have only been a brief 17-minute outing, Nicolo Zaniolo showed some encouraging signs in his Villa debut.
The 24-year-old looked an immediate threat to the right of Ollie Watkins, as he showed good intent, directness and powerful running to create a couple of openings for himself in a confident cameo appearance.
He looks motivated, happy and a quick learner in terms of settling into the system under Emery, and it’s hopefully going to be not only an effective signing for us, but also a lot of fun tracking his progress this season. Oh, and he loves his song from the Villa fans too.
Villa transfer news
Aaron Ramsey’s move to Burnley was finally completed this past week, in a deal reportedly worth around £14m and with a buy-back clause inserted in the agreement.
While Ramsey missed us so much he made his debut against us on Sunday, Cameron Archer soon followed him in leaving as he sealed an £18.5m switch to Sheffield United.
Similarly to his former teammate, a buy-back clause is reported to have been included in his deal too, and so while it’s disappointing to see our top youth talents depart, Villa are making smart financial decisions and leaving the door open for a return down the line.
It gives Ramsey and Archer an opportunity to play regularly at the top level, and if they impress and convince Emery that they can come back and play a key role, perhaps we’ll see them again in the future.
In contrast, Lucas Digne appears to have played his way into staying with some excellent performances after doubts over his future, and so if there is another exit before the transfer deadline, Philippe Coutinho appears to be the most likely candidate to move on amid interest from Qatar.
With regards to incomings, Emery and Villa certainly sound as though we’re ready to make our move if an opportunity presents itself that will strengthen the squad.
"There are still four days to finish the transfer window and we have to be ready,” the Villa boss said on Sunday. “Always in my teams I was working and I am ready at the end if someone can come with us or someone can leave."
Team news
Emiliano Martinez was absent against Burnley with a calf injury, but Emery has insisted it’s a minor issue. While there is little sense in risking the World Cup winner in midweek, he’ll hopefully return to the starting XI against Liverpool.
Alex Moreno will hope to be back in training this week as he eyes a possible spot on the bench at Anfield, while Jacob Ramsey is expected to return to training after the international break.
Leander Dendoncker was scheduled to resume training today, and there was a lovely update from Emiliano Buendia last week, as seen in the image below, as he confirmed that he’s started his comeback journey. We wish him and Tyrone Mings both a speedy and full recovery!
Talk Villa Poll
Answer to last week’s quiz question:
The most goals scored by a Villa player in a single Premier League season is 19. Who was it? - Christian Benteke.
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