So. Cracking first day of the season at VIlla Park.
A bright and early start for the dozen or so Cornwall Lions fans that made the trip up the M5 was thoroughly worth it as Villa took all three points from their opening home game of the season against Everton.
Villa 4-4-2 Diamond
Martinez
Cash
Carlos
Mings
Digne
Kamara
McGinn
Ramsey
Coutinho
Ings
Watkins
Everton 3-4-3
Pickford
Holgate
Coady
Tarkowski
Patterson
Doucoure
Iwobi
Mykolenko
McNeil
Gordon
Gray
It was exactly what I was hoping for in terms of a reaction from last weekend. I thought Villa made their intentions clear right from the outset with some direct running and positive passing. I thought the diamond suited quite well and meant we were well matched against Everton’s 3-4-3.
Considering the scorching temperatures both teams shown great energy levels and it felt like the match was played at a quick tempo.
It wasn’t perfect today by any stretch of the imagination and although Villa defended better in open play they really struggle defending set pieces, got lucky with the offside goal at 0-0 and gave up a few other opportunities. They just don’t make first contact anywhere near often enough.
Villa were good value for the three points overall but not sure how Everton didn’t force an equaliser in injury time. It was the opposite end of the pitch to me but some of the saves Martinez made looked inspired and Villa can be thankful to last ditch interventions from Mings and Chambers.
Individually, I was impressed with Boubakar Kamara. He looks a massive upgrade on Douglas Luiz as DM. He’ll be critical for us this season.
After being lukewarm on them it’s only fair to give credit where credits due, both Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins had good games today.
Phillips Coutinho was quiet but did a good job defensively stoppping Everton feeding the ball into their midfield pair but Emi Buendia, who replaced him after an hour did himself no harm in his quest for a starting place. He made a positive impact on the game and got the deserved second goal. He’s 100% the fan favourite at the club.
It was unfortunate to see Diego Carlos pimp off at the end of the match and his injury looks to be a serious one.
A couple of thoughts on Everton.
They were better than the both times I watched them last season. I had them down as relegation candidates before today but I’m not as hot on this now although I still see plenty of reasons for them struggling.
They clearly need a forward or two so that they can play Gordon wide. It’s vital they address this before the transfer window closes. What’s the situation with Calvert-Lewis? How long is he out for?
Negatives. Tom Davies is a liability but I’d imagine the signing of Onana means we’ll see little of him anyway. Dwight McNeil looks nothing like the player of two seasons ago. I thought Tarkowski struggled at times at LCB. Think as much as 3 atb suits Coady, it doesn’t suit Tarkowski.
Positive. Alex Iwobi looks a different player to any time I’ve seen him at VP before. Thought he really had his work cut out up against Kamara, McGinn & Ramsey with little to no help from his midfield partner. For me, Everton’s best player by a mile today.
Comments