I found myself highly encouraged by this performance.
I didn’t think it would be easy and indeed Burnley had us on the back foot in the first third of the second half, which concerned me because it seemed we eased off more than the home side came into their own. Fortunately, we managed to ride the storm, even though they managed to score straight after the break, which was disappointing. Still, I suppose every team has it’s bright part in a game but fortunately Burnley didn’t take their chances, while we did.
That dodgy period apart though, I thought we were pretty much in control and looked to be a very well set up side. We dominated the midfield, with McGinn being his industrious old self and he was ably assisted by pretty much everyone around him.
It was notable that we tended to double up a lot on the opposition, with Konsa backing up Matty Cash, who was allowed to venture forward and go on to get two very good goals. Thinking about it, Konsa could easily be my man of the match, as he did very little wrong, but I think I could easily say that about quite a few of our players. Kamara, Luiz and Torres all generally looked pretty tidy.
There were a few scary moments with our playing around at the back, but I certainly don’t feel as scared as I did when we first started playing that way.
Watkins looks like he couldn’t hit a cow’s proverbial with a banjo, but I’m not going to criticise him. Whereas Diaby is looking like he could be a real asset for us.
I thought Zaniolo looked fairly decent too and made a bright debut, as much as I thought he looked like a fish out of water in his first couple of minutes. He was far too close to his teammates when they were in possession of the ball and it looked like he didn’t know where to go.
He soon got into it though and moved around nicely and even having a greedy effort where it would have been far simpler to pass it to Watkins who was in a much better position. I’m sure Emery will pull him up about that, but I suppose it’s nice to see such self belief.
So all in all, it’s been a fantastic week and after the Newcastle shoeing, we’ve now scored 12 goals in three games. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?
I’m a very happy bunny.
UTV!
Comments
114 responses to “Burnley 1 – 3 Villa; A fairly comfortable victory.”
From the BBC Sports site.
I think (and it is a think) that based on the Uefa coefficients that Villa be in pot 2 tomorrow.
They are currently 80th on the list which definitely puts them below Bodo/Glimt, Gent, Alkmaar, Fenerbahce, Ferencvárosi, Tel Aviv, Lille, Club Brugge, Frankfurt and Dinamo Zagreb.
There could be a tricky game in the group stage for Unai Emery’s side.
Well, some takeaways from that. Love that Villa played in energy saving mode, managing the game and not killing themselves. This is what the very best clubs in Europe do when needed.
Also Juran’s goal was massive. He doesn’t look that big but he outmuscled the Hib’s defender and he didn’t even take a touch before slotting the ball home. He obviously relishes the physical side of the game. Watch out Olly, someone’s breathing down your neck!
Also thought that Reban and Kellyman had good games and I liked the way that Emery spread the minutes around through his substitutions. Also have to give the HIbs fans 11/10 for their support tonight, never stopped singing.
Still, we’re in Europe again and tomorrow we’ll know who we’re up against. Really don’t care, bring them on and the Villa boys will beat them. Happy days!
Haven’t seen Duran’s goal but the description sounds like a goal from Dalian’s repertoire.
Just seen it. The assist from Torres. Wow. Magnificent finish, and yes, having seen it very Dalian.
Emery is a born winner. The team never got out of second gear and cruised to victory.
Well done to Kellyman and Revan. Both did what was expected and some more. I think we will see more of them in the next few years.
Emery just improves players. Cash had responded to the criticism levelled at him and is giving it back with bells on. Bailey looks like he will always score 1 goal per match and is starting to retain the ball better. Lastly Olsen stepped up.
I agree with Hitch, great to hear Alan McInally and Jed Steer talking about “us” with pride.
Finally, signed up to Villa app and paid £4.99 for match. Money well spent. I did not have to listen to commentators say Villa had won due to the opposition playing poorly ( are you listening Sky). With Emery main TV stations will play Villa games in Europe rather than ditch them half way through a leg.
UTV
Langley from Barcelona, just seen it on Sky Sports. He’s signed had a medical so it’s on the cards, I watched Villa last night and we have talent top clubs would die for. Feel on top of the world with Villa I’ll be wearing my shirt on ship and in Barcelona for two days with pride next month . UTV
Great news. Langlet will be a real asset and, along with Torres, another good defender with lots of European experience. If we could get Abde then it would be a magical window but, if not, it’s still been just about the best one that I can remember.
Abde off to Brighton allegedly. We’ll regret that based on the evidence of Brighton’s previous recruitment.
You might have a point there…
Fans are always greedy for more and I’m no different.
Agree with 1874, if we could get in another quality striker would be absolutely made up – but if not still a great window.
Sunday will be a real litmus test of where we are.
I’ll be surprised if we get any well-known quality striker by tonight – but having seen in the last two games what Jhon Duran is capable of, I’m not actually that concerned. He looks ready for a big role this season.
With Diaby, Bailey and even Matty Cash all suddenly able to score goals, we may not need another striker, except as cover – and that’s not likely to be anyone that (at least-) I’ve ever heard-of!!
Goals in Ramsey and Dougie and McGinn as well.
Let’s not forget Zaniolo. I’ve got a sneaky feeling that he might just be one of our better buys yet.
“Good coaches manage a game. Great coaches manage a season.”
Just stumbled upon this quote and we know which category Unai operates in!
I’m ashamed that I preferred Poch when the guy from the north-west was sent packing. How wrong can you be?
It’s one of those things, Ron. Remember how NONE of us wanted John Gregory back in the day and how brilliant was that period!!!
So it’s Group E: AZ Alkmaar, Aston Villa, Legia Warsaw, Mostar Zrinjski.
Saw Alkmaar play and I can’t say that I’m quaking in my boots. So some nice trips to the Netherlands, Poland and Bosnia coming up for our fans. Can’t wait.
So Traore is injured – again!!!!!!
Perhaps, in future, Emery should accept that as the default position and report when he’s not injured 🙂
Reported that a deal for Coutinho to leave for Qatar is pretty much agreed which is fine but we really should find a replacement.
That sounds unlikely with time running out and the Qatar deal may not be finalised until after the window closes.
My cat can act as a replacement. I’ve nothing against the guy, but he’s been a catastrophic failure at Villa and it hasn’t worked one bit. One of the kids on a fraction of the pay would be a better option. I’m sure all parties will be happy to see this end. As for a replacement that isn’t my cat (if he gets injured or something), it’s probably a bit late in the day.
I’d be amazed if we signed anyone else of note.
What shirt number will your moggie wear?
I’ve been trying to think of a comical cat related come back. Failed. So probably number 11. However my better half suggested cats may be better suited to VAR considering our current crop seem to pay little to no attention to what’s actually happening on the field of play.
Yeah, I have to agree apart from a couple of games initially (United game springs to mind) Coutinho has not lived up to fee/wages at all and if we can sell him on now then that’s brilliant for our future business. Plus Zanilolo has come in and from his cameo looks more than capable of filling those boots. Feels like a fantastic summer window and Emery, the owners and supporting staff deserve a huge pat on the back. 18 months ago under Gerrard we were looking like nailed on relegation fodder and now we are back! It’s incredible. Long may this continue. Massive game to look forward to on Sunday specially with Virgil out we have a huge opportunity to stuff the scousers UTV.
I’m reasonably confident that Zaniolo was the planned replacement for Coutinho.
I have a suspicion that you’re absolutely right on that.
So who is Buendia’s replacement?
BFR – with you. I understood Zaniolo was in for Buendia.
If Coutinho goes we are still light on squad numbers.
I see there are some suggestions we are going for Abde Ezzalzouli from Barca as his move to Real Betis has collapsed. Barca need to move another player out to make room (financially) for Jao Felix on loan.
Might be a load of bunkum though 🙂
Given that Coutinho and Buendia are sort of similar players, perhaps Zaniolo is supposed to replace both of them?
Elsewhere, Everton tried to sign Dendoncker, but he never went.
No doubt he wasn’t up for a relegation battle.
🙂 Suspect Villa dissuaded Everton from pursuing such a late move. We’ll need Dendonker particularly in Europe.
I’m glad that all of the rumours all summer regarding Digne leaving proved to be rubbish.
I presume there’s still a few days to finally remove Couthinho from the payroll?
Rest of the week, I believe, same as Mo Salad
Interesting article in the Guardian where the fans of each PL club give a mark for how well they thought that they did in the transfer window. There was only one five out of five and that was for us.
Have to agree.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/sep/02/summer-transfer-window-verdict-how-every-premier-league-club-fared
Not sure it’s actually written by ‘fans’ – most of the names/initials seem to be regular Guardian sports journalists.
But agreed, Villa seem to have a very ‘neat’ and ‘quiet’ way of doing transfers these days; none of the hype or floating ‘big names’ who aren’t ever going to join, no desperate last-minute panic buys – ManUre take note…
You’re right Ardent, it is Guardian writers. They usually use fan sites to do this. Anyway, it’s still 5/5
Cameron Archer becomes the youngest english player to score on debut in the Premier. Just equalized against Everton.
That the sound of thousands of Villa fans slapping their foreheads and groaning in unison…
That Archer looks a player perhaps we should go for him in Jan
I can’t but help thinking we’ve made a boo boo not giving him a chance. Oh well!!!
And the second.
Let’s hope that’s going to cost us a few mill to get him back.
I never wanted him to go, as I think he’s quality, but if we can’t give him a game…..
Archer hits the post and the ball hits Pickford’s back and in. Can we buy him back now please.
So the decision to let Archer go an play seems like the right one as of now! Brilliant first goal and made the 2nd too to cause Pickford OG. I just hope when the buyback clause is activated its not too high! Still think he could have done a job this season but he needs 60 plus mins week in week out and we can’t give him that.
Bring Archer home, now! I’ve been saying for years this lad is the real deal. Very frustrated and ever so slightly angry to see him producing that. He never got a f****** chance! Despite the brilliant cameos. Gutted, to be honest. Absolutely gutted.
Great to see Cameron Archer off the mark at Sheffield United. Early days yet, but he does have a good goal to game ratio. More importantly he’s getting premier experience. It is goes well we can buy him back and bring in a proven player in the Premier. I do like the word “elite” that is now being attached to Villa and we are now acting in an elite way.
With regards to Coutinho / Buendia replacement I believe the long term replacement will be Kellyman. Under Emery if you are potentially good enough he will loan you out for development. Look how Revan played well on Thursday in Europe and was loaned out to Rotherham yesterday. If the player does well on loan and needs premier experience they are sold in a buy back bases e.g. Archer, Philogene and Ramsey. And finally to the exceptional player – Kellyman. I believe Emery will start to play him in Europe in certain matches and very occasionally bring in in the Premier. He may well use the approach Pep used for Fodden. The future is bright!
As BFR said about great managers manage the season, Emery in addition is future proofing Villa.
Agree Sid. Just frustrating to see a natural goalscorer let go and producing in the wrong colours, especially one of our own, albeit with a buyback clause. We need squad depth. The cups and Europe would have been ideal for Archer as well as impact sub in The league. That’s my view and I’m sticking to it.
If there’s one player I’d love at Villa it would be Foden. Great player.
I was going to be fair to Ollie, but sod it. Archer looks a far better finisher. And we’ve said it many times! I compared him to Kane two years ago. Difference is Spurs showed faith and gave him game time. I suggested giving the number 9 to Archer last summer and watching him go. So so so f****** frustrated! 😡😡😡
I’m pleased for Archer getting a goal on his debut and a great effort which hit the post then Pickford before going in. I hoped he would stay but he will improve more playing regularly. The buy back clause is a positive though in safeguarding our assets.
Does anyone know if Philogene has a buy back clause? I read it’s a permanent transfer.
I think the buy back clause has been added to all our half decent sales…
Here’s the understanding of the deal;
“Villa are set to include a buy-back clause plus a sell-on clause to be inserted into Philogene’s deal, similar to what they did when selling Aaron Ramsey to Burnley earlier this month.”
Courtesy of;
https://www.teamtalk.com/news/sources-promising-aston-villa-winger-jaden-philogene-set-join-hull-city-despite-ipswich-links
Man city given a VAR and it’s just ridiculous.
I’ve lost faith in this now, entirely.
How can he not be interfering with play there?
Joke.