Regardless of Aston Villa’s latest setbacks with three consecutive losses at house in each the Premier League and FA Cup, I stay optimistic that they’ll safe a top-four end. I don’t suppose their season will merely fizzle out.
Sunday’s slender defeat to Manchester United, notably with a last-minute objective, will undoubtedly sting. Psychologically, it was a major blow, particularly contemplating {that a} draw would have preserved the eight-point hole between the 2 golf equipment.
Certainly, it’s irritating for Villa followers to witness their staff dominate towards Manchester United in two thrilling encounters, solely to come back away empty-handed on each events. Shedding 3-2 at Outdated Trafford in December after which struggling one other last-minute defeat on Sunday means Villa have relinquished six essential factors to a direct rival for a Champions League spot.
Whereas the latest defeat is disappointing, Unai Emery’s meticulous organisation, evident sport plans, and tactical changes throughout matches reinforce my perception that they’ve what it takes to beat this present setback.
Villa’s latest poor outcomes don’t mirror a sudden decline of their efficiency. The principle distinction now, in comparison with earlier within the season, is their incapacity to capitalise on alternatives in tight matches.
Ollie Watkins, specifically, is experiencing a section the place he’s struggling to search out the web as persistently as earlier than. Whereas he scored 9 targets in his first 17 Premier League video games of the season, he has solely managed to attain twice in his final seven appearances.
Regardless of receiving an identical variety of possibilities per sport, Watkins’ conversion charge has dropped considerably, resulting in a shift from over-performing to under-performing based mostly on his anticipated targets.
Villa’s subsequent few fixtures (Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Luton City) present them a possibility to get again on a profitable run and cement their top-four aspirations.
