Another Comeback, Another Trip to London

I’d just about written off this match before kickoff for a number of reasons: all streaks end, we’ve been winning without playing particularly well, and Chelsea are a really tough match-up for us. Never mind that it was at Stamford Bridge. But apparently none of that mattered. Despite being smothered in the first 45 and giving up a soft goal, Villa roared back after the introduction of Watkins, Onana, and Sancho at 59 minutes, and Chelsea didn’t seem to know what to do. Watkins showed a lot of hunger to draw Villa level just four minutes later, and after that only one side looked like going on to win it.

The Tactics Question
In his post-match comments, Ollie credited Emery’s tactical genius, pointing to how the subs changed the set-up, particularly relative to Chelsea’s back line. Rogers and Sancho were deployed left and right yielding a bit more width, and Tielemans moving up gave Villa more four on three looks. That’s all very true, but it’s also not terribly different than what we’ve seen many times, with the exception of Sancho playing from the right.

When Onana and Kamara play together, Youri moves up. Rogers left is fairly common, and he thrives playing left to right. Sancho was the funny bit, having been, to my knowledge, only played on the left so far.

The slight stretching may have accounted for the space into which Ollie was played in to for his first, though it was Rogers providing service from a very central position. The second was simply a veteran striker registering a fine finish from a corner. It was also a lovely delivery. The spacing may well have been what opened things up for Maatsen’s effort.

So Emery didn’t really change formation. He simply shuffled to his preferred personnel package with the twist of Sancho wide right instead of someone like Guessand. And with Chelsea having run themselves ragged for 60 minutes and only finding themselves one goal to the good, Villa’s change of pace, intent, and quality turned the game.

Big and Small Thinking
That, to my mind, is where the real managing took place. I’d tuned in late (there’ve been some festivities in our home), and in conjunction with Chelsea winning everything, the broadcast team were focusing on Onana’s exclusion and maybe wondering why Malen got the start.

Me, I’m pretty sure Emery knew Chelsea were going to come at them, that’s what they do, and wanted Youri deeper to help us play out and start counters. Managing Onana’s minutes may also have come into it, same as Ollie. But if Emery figured the first 45 were going to be like Chelsea wanted, then weather the storm and keep your best attacking package in reserve for when there’s going to be more time and space.

But poor play is poor play. Villa didn’t handle the first-half pressure well, and I’m sure Emery isn’t looking for a string of dramatic comebacks. The idea is to at least keep a clean sheet in the conservative phase.

In the end, and I think by design, Villa had their best attacking side on the pitch after Chelsea had thrown everything at them, and also their best defensive midfield pairing.

Arsenal
After the match, the analysts, having finally clocked Emery’s game-management pattern, wondered if Arsenal might set up to account for this. They may very well. You could say Chelsea did in going for the knockout punch. It’s worked in the past. But, if you’re not pressing relentlessly, possession will be less lopsided, and you have a different kind of match. And Arsenal aren’t generally as aggressive as Chelsea. Funnily, a less one-sided opening half could to be to Arsenal’s advantage.

With Kamara and Cash suspended, there’ll be enforced changes. I’d assume that Bogarde comes in for Cash, which probably means Youri is deep again, this time with Onana. Emery will obviously have less to work with, so I’m imagining this will be game management of a different sort. You’d think Rogers comes back central, Sancho is left, McGinn right, and Ollie up top. Since they started Sunday, Buendia and Malen will be the fresh legs Emery can turn to.

I’m also guessing they’ll hope to keep the tempo down as per and get the most out of the starters following what seems to be a pretty consistent 60-30 distribution/rotation of minutes for Ollie, Buendia, Malen, and Sancho. I’d assume Digne starts. Guessand will be a miss in terms of subs. We are a touch thin

I’ve no idea what to expect from this one. Villa seem to play Arsenal well enough, but it’s away and there’s a lot more riding on it for them. That said, I usually like being the team under less pressure, and Arsenal have been far from convincing of late. I don’t think the streak is really too important to the players. I’m sure it’s been fun, winning always is, but it’s more that that they’re giving themselves a chance to return to the Champions League.

Intangibles
Obviously it was great to see Ollie finally break through. You get him back firing, and things suddenly look a tad more sustainable. While the first was scruffy, it showed his determination, and the first touch was back at the required level. The second, though, that’s the kind of finish from Ollie we’ve been missing, and it just looked and felt right.

And I thought the celebrations were telling. Rogers with Ollie’s shirt, Ollie joining Onana’s fun routine with a big smile. The players look together, and Ollie’s relief to finally be part of the party was tangible. I hope it bodes well for the future.

Over to you.