Aston Villa’s current campaign is unfolding in stark contrast to the highs of last season. Under Unai Emery, the team achieved Champions League qualification, thanks to meticulous planning and tactical precision. Now, broader issues have taken hold, raising questions about the defensive fragility that has defined their recent performances. As reported by The Athletic.
Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea extended Villa’s winless run to eight games—their worst form in two and a half years. Emery himself highlighted that their rivals are “getting stronger,” with Chelsea’s resurgence under Enzo Maresca as an example. However, Villa’s struggles stem not just from the competition improving but from their own alarming decline.
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A Deteriorating Defensive Record
The statistics paint a damning picture of Villa’s defensive woes. They have the joint-fewest clean sheets in the Premier League this season, with only one shutout in their last 18 league games. During this period, they have conceded 34 goals—an average of 1.88 per game.
This decline is not new but a continuation of long-term patterns. In Emery’s debut season, Villa’s defensive solidity was key, boasting a clean sheet rate of 36.1%. This provided the foundation for their attacking patterns and eventual qualification for European football.
Since then, defensive reliability has plummeted. Last season, the clean sheet rate dropped to 21%, and now it stands at a stark 7.7%. Without the attacking form that once masked defensive frailties, Villa’s vulnerabilities have become glaringly apparent.
Mistakes and Missed Chances
Individual errors have compounded Villa’s problems. Pau Torres’ misplaced pass to Emiliano Martinez against Chelsea typified the defensive lapses, while Martinez himself nearly gifted Nicolas Jackson a goal minutes later.
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On the attacking front, a lack of clinical finishing has left Villa unable to relieve pressure on their defence. Against Chelsea, Ollie Watkins squandered a one-on-one opportunity when Villa trailed 1-0. Such moments encapsulate the team’s struggles—missed chances up front and an inability to prevent goals at the back.
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Passive Defending and Tactical Missteps
Villa’s passive approach to defending is another contributing factor. Emery’s system relies on positioning rather than aggressive pressing. Last season, this method was effective, but this year it has exposed gaps in structure.
Villa now rank lowest in the league for ball recoveries and second-lowest for interceptions. Maresca observed, “They don’t press, they wait.” This passivity was evident in Chelsea’s second goal, which sliced through Villa’s midfield with ease.
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Interestingly, Villa have maintained defensive stability in the Champions League, keeping four clean sheets in five matches. Their contrasting domestic form, however, provides a more reliable measure of their current issues.
The Way Forward
Emery’s attempts to address these defensive problems have been hindered by a lack of cohesion and confidence. Although fatigue from European commitments might be a convenient explanation, Villa managed similar schedules last season during their Conference League campaign.
Tactically, some adjustments have been noted, such as a less aggressive offside trap and fewer defensive actions from Martinez outside his box. Yet, these tweaks have not stemmed the tide of goals conceded.
Emery, often seen deep in thought on the touchline, faces a significant challenge. Solving Villa’s defensive crisis is not just about tactical changes; it requires rebuilding confidence and re-establishing the foundation that once made Villa formidable.
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Unai Emery’s tenure began with so much promise, built on a solid defence and sharp attacking transitions. To see the team unravel in such a short time feels like watching the scaffolding of progress come undone.
Defensively, Villa’s issues are both structural and psychological. The absence of cohesion and frequent individual errors suggest deeper problems. The contrast between their Champions League and domestic performances only adds to the frustration—why can the same players keep clean sheets against Juventus but struggle in the Premier League?
Offensively, the lack of goals has been equally troubling. A team that once punished opponents on the counterattack now seems hesitant and misfiring. Watkins’ missed opportunity against Chelsea was emblematic of the lack of cutting edge.
There’s still hope. Emery is a proven tactician, and Villa’s squad possesses quality. However, the solution requires more than just technical adjustments; it needs a reset in mindset and focus. The next few weeks are crucial, as another winless run could see Villa drift further from their ambitions of consistently competing in the top seven. Fans will be hoping Emery finds the answers quickly.