Villa Limping to Athens and the Finish Line

So here we are, on the brink of elimination in the Conference League and 7 points to the good in 4th with two to play. Villa should've had at least 3 last week, and this is a game they don't really deserve to be chasing like this. But they are, so it's the classic situation where Villa have to come out, force the issue, and open themselves up to the counter from the off.

Of all Unai Emery’s post-match interviews, I think I might’ve liked the Brighton one best. “This is football,” he said, after noting, and I’m paraphrasing, “We had a good week, and then a bad week.” Rest, recovery, Athens. What else is there?

It was tough watching Villa slump to a 1-0 defeat (in particular to a late penalty when a poor but valuable point seemed within reach), a performance that De Zerbi said was not indicative of Villa’s quality. I have to agree. The side is tired, and that can be every bit as much a mental issue as a physical one. We all saw Arsenal down the stretch last year. I think McGinn has now played 58 matches for club and country, for example. Luiz has likewise logged extraordinary minutes. Ollie. You know the drill.

We all know the about the injuries. And sure, it’s part of the game. But Villa were not particularly deep going into the season, and it’s only gotten worse. There’s basically no rotation available, never mind the waves of substitutions that can change games. It’s not helping the midfield with no Kamara, Ramsey, or Tielemans to even choose from. Tim? I’ve not seen him do much, I think the situation is a little too big for him at the moment. Otherwise,  he’d be playing because god knows SJM and Luiz could do with a rest.

And this does reflect back to the Academy, where we’ve long expected so many breakthroughs. But whether it’s down to poor development, the players’ natural levels, or both I struggle to think of anyone whose left that’s gone on to pull up trees in the lower leagues, never mind the PL. That’s something that’s got to get fixed so we can plug players in without breaking the bank. Players who are strong and can run, tackle, and harass relentlessly. They don’t have to be Rodri or even Harvey Elliott. We just need the odd 45 to freshen things or 2-3 games where they can fill a gap without really weakening anything.

All that aside, here we are, on the brink of elimination in the Conference League and 7 points to the good in 4th with two to play. Spurs will likely get at least a point against Burnley. Villa will face a Liverpool side Monday whose mentality no one can really predict as they’ll likely be unable to change anything with CL football assured. Palace? Resurgent and dangerous.

Tonight, well we’re all pulling for a 3-0 victory. A two-goal cushion and penalties? Okay, but I don’t know if I can watch that again. It’s a big ask, but not impossible. Villa should’ve had at least 3 last week, and this is a game they don’t really deserve to be chasing like this. But they are, a classic situation where Villa have to come out, force the issue, and open themselves up to the counter more than they’d like. Emery’s stated aim, wanting to be level after 90, makes sense. Don’t overextend, don’t be impatient, don’t make mistakes. Just even things up in a controlled way and see what happens next.

Will be disappointing if we do exit here without reaching the final, of course. But the bigger lesson is going to be the attrition coupled with bad luck. If we want CL football, the levels need to be much higher, the depth greater. No idea where PSR leaves us, but as we limp over the line, it’s clear some clever moves have to be made.

In the meantime, I hope Emi is fit (for penalties if nothing else) and sure would like to break some Greek hearts tonight.

Over to you.