Aston Villa v Man City Post-Match Thread

[rob_bridge]

Something that struck me this morning, watching some of it back while enjoying my breakfast, is just how well we knock the ball about with genuine confidence.  After years of dross, it still gives me kittens sometimes when we're knocking it around at the back and they've got three players pressing hard from the front, yet time and time again yesterday we passed it around them and then found a man in space in the midfield.   I've seen us do that to a few 'no-so-good' sides, but this was the first time I've seen us doing it to a team that usually do it to us.

The players look SO confident in how they play. The speed of passing to players who they KNOW will be in a particular space. I'm sure the time will come when I feel "comfortable" watching us play this way out from the back.  I'm not there yet, but a few more days like yesterday and it won't be long.  Can we have the next one on Saturday?

Its high risk, high reward. It is risky. I was at Leicester game earlier this year and the execution wasn't right. However we created enough to win 2 games in the first half alone. I was disappointed losing to the East Midlands luddites but not at all disheartened as I usually would be,

[AV84]

Phil McNulty's write up on BBC this morning is a good read. Some highlights..

Seconds before a magnificent victory over Manchester City was confirmed, a roar swept around Aston Villa's famous old stadium. It was the sound of something special stirring under manager Unai Emery.

Emery has produced an outstanding body of work since succeeding Steven Gerrard in October 2022 but this was a masterpiece, the biggest statement he has made since arriving at Villa Park.

The scoreline , a 1-0 Villa victory, is almost laughably misleading when set against the sheer dominance Emery's team exerted over last season's Treble winners, giving him his first triumph over City manager Pep Guardiola at the 14th attempt.

Leon Bailey's winner 16 minutes from time had a touch of fortune, with a crucial deflection off Ruben Dias beating Ederson, but there was nothing lucky about this result. The only injustice was that Villa did not win more convincingly.

Villa hunted down City fearlessly and ruthlessly from the first whistle - then when they caught them, shook them until they rattled. It was a fearsome going over, one the champions have rarely been subjected to in recent years, reflected in the statistic of 22 Villa shots to City's two. That tally did not flatter Villa.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67644794

[rob_bridge]

Phil McNulty's write up on BBC this morning is a good read. Some highlights..

Seconds before a magnificent victory over Manchester City was confirmed, a roar swept around Aston Villa's famous old stadium. It was the sound of something special stirring under manager Unai Emery.

Emery has produced an outstanding body of work since succeeding Steven Gerrard in October 2022 but this was a masterpiece, the biggest statement he has made since arriving at Villa Park.

The scoreline , a 1-0 Villa victory, is almost laughably misleading when set against the sheer dominance Emery's team exerted over last season's Treble winners, giving him his first triumph over City manager Pep Guardiola at the 14th attempt.

Leon Bailey's winner 16 minutes from time had a touch of fortune, with a crucial deflection off Ruben Dias beating Ederson, but there was nothing lucky about this result. The only injustice was that Villa did not win more convincingly.

Villa hunted down City fearlessly and ruthlessly from the first whistle - then when they caught them, shook them until they rattled. It was a fearsome going over, one the champions have rarely been subjected to in recent years, reflected in the statistic of 22 Villa shots to City's two. That tally did not flatter Villa.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67644794

McNulty is happy as it opens the door for Liverpool. Yeah I know he says he is an Everton fan but I have never know a rival fan to write such sycophnatic drivel about their rivals over the last 20 years

[Tayls_7]

A little while ago Tielemans was bemoaning a lack of game time and suggesting joining us was a mistake. Last night some of his work and touches were sublime. I'm sure he's perfectly content now. As always, great management by SUE.

[LukeJames]

I woke up to a message off my dingle mate this morning saying "You lot were brilliant last night, reminded me of us under Nuno".

I don't think praise can get any higher than that.

[AV84]

McNulty is happy as it opens the door for Liverpool. Yeah I know he says he is an Everton fan but I have never know a rival fan to write such sycophnatic drivel about their rivals over the last 20 years

Controversial perhaps but I'd be happy for Liverpool to win it if it can't be us. Man City not launching their annual comeback and being out of contention in latter part of the season, but Arsenal still bottling it would be glorious to watch. Although Liverpool missing out on the title by 2 points, bringing up that Spurs game again, would also be an enjoyable end to the season.

[Risso]

If it's not us, I can't be happy for anybody else but Liverpool would be the least worst option. I despise Arteta and don't want him to win anything, ever.

[SaddVillan]

From The Athletic

HOW ASTON VILLA MADE MAN CITY
LOOK UTTERLY ORDINARY FOR 90 MINUTES

Fifteen years to the day after Unai Emery first encountered Pep Guardiola, he finally managed to overcome him in the most dominant of ways.

Aston Villa produced a performance for the ages on Wednesday evening and it should be considered their magnum opus since returning to the Premier League in 2019. It was a victory as domineering and deserving as there has been against Manchester City in recent memory. Quite simply: no one does what Villa did to them.

Even though Guardiola’s declaration of Villa as title contenders was premature afterwards, he had just watched his treble winners being completely outplayed and out-hustled.

City barely landed a punch. They registered two shots all game, the fewest ever by a Guardiola side and the joint-most shots faced (22) by an opponent. The second of City’s two shots came in the 11th minute. The 1-0 scoreline was merciful on Guardiola and could not have been more polarising to his first meeting with Emery in 2008, when Barcelona, eventual treble winners, won 4-0 against Valencia.

“Thierry Henry, I remember…” smiled Emery at Tuesday’s press conference, recalling his hat-trick. “You analyse my matches very well. But when I start remembering and thinking about my past, I stop as a coach.”

It served as the beginning of 13 games between the two, nine resulting in Guardiola wins and the other four being draws. In other words, Emery had never beaten Guardiola. Until now.

The tables were turned emphatically on Wednesday evening. Villa Park was caught in a frenzy and furore, testing its old foundations as Emery strode towards the tunnel at the final whistle.

Post-game celebrations after a landmark 50th game in charge were typically low-key, but there was a buoyancy in his step. Villa’s supporters were at their loudest and most exuberant. Shouts were hoarse from deep and long bellows. Emery had a toothy grin and hugged his close friend and director of football Damian Vidagany, who was waiting for him.

Vidagany was Emery’s press officer at Valencia in 2008 and like others close to Villa’s head coach, shares the school of thought that nights like Wednesday are a by-product of the Spaniard’s dedication and expertise.

“The Premier League has 20 of the best 50 best managers in the world,” said Vidagany. “Unai is close to the top level that marks Pep Guardiola. It’s a matter of time to get there for him. I’ve never seen anyone in my life work as hard as him. This is leadership. He also has a good heart.”

Despite history and records falling against them — with Villa having won only seven per cent of all Premier League fixtures against City — the theme of discussions between Emery and players’ before the match centred on being the “protagonists”.

In lengthy analysis sessions, recently running up to an hour and 15 minutes, Emery stressed the necessity of retaining the ball for prolonged spells, enabling his side to control the tempo before then cutting through City’s pressure from the front. And as ever, his players brought into the plan. “He’s naturally confident but he loves Emery,” said one source close to a key player in Villa’s dressing room who, like others, spoke anonymously to protect relationships.

Villa had reason to be bullish tactically. It is 10 months since their last home defeat (against Arsenal), a moment Emery retrospectively regards as a turning point. He held meetings with players, preaching that seizing control in matches would lead to the concession of fewer goals. More pertinently, he demanded an increase in approach and expectations. Fourteen games and as many wins later, Villa have equalled their longest-winning home streak in top-flight history. Expectations now are at an all-time high.

“(Emery) has been amazing,” said match-winner Leon Bailey. “His way of doing things is different. He knows exactly what he wants. Day in and day out, he knows what he’s doing to help us get three points.”

Emery knew the importance of Villa not solely reducing themselves to a counter-attacking threat. He wanted to create overloads centrally, selecting four archetypal central midfielders in a box shape that would lock on man-to-man against a City side without the suspended Rodri and a specialist midfielder.

There was a soft launch of the approach three days earlier at Bournemouth, in which the system used against City was unfurled in the second half. Emery has spoken about trialling different tactical systems during games, due to four fixtures in nine days affording scant time on the training pitch. Instead, messages needed to be explained while watching video clips inside the auditorium at Villa’s training ground.

Bailey’s role was instrumental in trialling formation. He was asked to stay high and wide on the right but, with Youri Tielemans playing slightly deeper nearby, make darting runs inside — similar to Ollie Watkins, who would stretch play in the opposite channel.

As encapsulated in his goal, Emery gave licence to Bailey in particular, encouraging him to dribble at speed and towards Josko Gvardiol. Within a touchline microcosm where the cogs in both managers whirred, Bailey’s usage was part of a broader plan to offset City’s rhythm.

“Sometimes at home, we are watching him and thinking ‘Wow, what a player’,” said Emery.

“He even plays better at home because he feels the love from the fans,” Bailey’s stepfather Craig Butler told The Athletic, watching from back home in Jamaica. “He’s very motivated by appreciation and how you feel about him — you’ve just seen that.”

As it turned out, Villa won possession in the final third 13 times against City, the most ever by an opposition team against Guardiola. They were shaken and stirred to dizzying levels and to the point where Erling Haaland was forced to clear inside his box while defenders slipped and slid in panicked scrambles to atone for errors.

“It was all about getting on the front foot tonight,” said one source close to the dressing room.

“We did the high press and being at home, we are really successful,” said Emery. “We have to be organised doing it and against City too, trying to recover the ball from their players is difficult. But we were very organised and did a fantastic job.”

While Emery carried out post-match media duties, members of his backroom team joined in with players’ dressing-room celebrations. It was controlled but jubilant, with team photos being taken before being congratulated by their families after they had made their way down from the player boxes.

This was a night to savour. Emery’s Villa have reached new heights and delivered the club’s greatest, most optimal performance of recent times — and they did so against Europe’s best team.

[DeKuip]

A great night out without even having a drink, I never knew that was possible!
Reading mentions of the 5-1 win over Liverpool, it’s impossible to compare the two really it’s such a different game now - I’m just thankful I was at both.
The 76/77 team was the most exciting to watch in my lifetime and was packed with players still remembered fondly as club legends and with a manager who without doubt got the best out of every one of them.
I have no doubt that a good number of the current players and the manager will hold the same great memories for our younger fans in 50 years time too. Enjoy the present!

[Somniloquism]

I woke up to a message off my dingle mate this morning saying "You lot were brilliant last night, reminded me of us under Nuno".

I don't think praise can get any higher than that.

The list of most chances against Citeh had us top and them 2nd. Of course they won't state they went 2-0 down to a 10 man team (Ederson sent off in the 12th minute) but they still came back to win in the very end of the match.

[Holte L2]

A great night out without even having a drink, I never knew that was possible!
Reading mentions of the 5-1 win over Liverpool, it’s impossible to compare the two really it’s such a different game now - I’m just thankful I was at both.
The 76/77 team was the most exciting to watch in my lifetime and was packed with players still remembered fondly as club legends and with a manager who without doubt got the best out of every one of them.
I have no doubt that a good number of the current players and the manager will hold the same great memories for our younger fans in 50 years time too. Enjoy the present!

Do you know what, I haven't had a drink at Villa Park since the Brighton game last season.  I just love watching us play too much.

[wolfman999]

From The Athletic

HOW ASTON VILLA MADE MAN CITY
LOOK UTTERLY ORDINARY FOR 90 MINUTES

Fifteen years to the day after Unai Emery first encountered Pep Guardiola, he finally managed to overcome him in the most dominant of ways.

Aston Villa produced a performance for the ages on Wednesday evening and it should be considered their magnum opus since returning to the Premier League in 2019. It was a victory as domineering and deserving as there has been against Manchester City in recent memory. Quite simply: no one does what Villa did to them.

Even though Guardiola’s declaration of Villa as title contenders was premature afterwards, he had just watched his treble winners being completely outplayed and out-hustled.

City barely landed a punch. They registered two shots all game, the fewest ever by a Guardiola side and the joint-most shots faced (22) by an opponent. The second of City’s two shots came in the 11th minute. The 1-0 scoreline was merciful on Guardiola and could not have been more polarising to his first meeting with Emery in 2008, when Barcelona, eventual treble winners, won 4-0 against Valencia.

“Thierry Henry, I remember…” smiled Emery at Tuesday’s press conference, recalling his hat-trick. “You analyse my matches very well. But when I start remembering and thinking about my past, I stop as a coach.”

It served as the beginning of 13 games between the two, nine resulting in Guardiola wins and the other four being draws. In other words, Emery had never beaten Guardiola. Until now.

The tables were turned emphatically on Wednesday evening. Villa Park was caught in a frenzy and furore, testing its old foundations as Emery strode towards the tunnel at the final whistle.

Post-game celebrations after a landmark 50th game in charge were typically low-key, but there was a buoyancy in his step. Villa’s supporters were at their loudest and most exuberant. Shouts were hoarse from deep and long bellows. Emery had a toothy grin and hugged his close friend and director of football Damian Vidagany, who was waiting for him.

Vidagany was Emery’s press officer at Valencia in 2008 and like others close to Villa’s head coach, shares the school of thought that nights like Wednesday are a by-product of the Spaniard’s dedication and expertise.

“The Premier League has 20 of the best 50 best managers in the world,” said Vidagany. “Unai is close to the top level that marks Pep Guardiola. It’s a matter of time to get there for him. I’ve never seen anyone in my life work as hard as him. This is leadership. He also has a good heart.”

Despite history and records falling against them — with Villa having won only seven per cent of all Premier League fixtures against City — the theme of discussions between Emery and players’ before the match centred on being the “protagonists”.

In lengthy analysis sessions, recently running up to an hour and 15 minutes, Emery stressed the necessity of retaining the ball for prolonged spells, enabling his side to control the tempo before then cutting through City’s pressure from the front. And as ever, his players brought into the plan. “He’s naturally confident but he loves Emery,” said one source close to a key player in Villa’s dressing room who, like others, spoke anonymously to protect relationships.

Villa had reason to be bullish tactically. It is 10 months since their last home defeat (against Arsenal), a moment Emery retrospectively regards as a turning point. He held meetings with players, preaching that seizing control in matches would lead to the concession of fewer goals. More pertinently, he demanded an increase in approach and expectations. Fourteen games and as many wins later, Villa have equalled their longest-winning home streak in top-flight history. Expectations now are at an all-time high.

“(Emery) has been amazing,” said match-winner Leon Bailey. “His way of doing things is different. He knows exactly what he wants. Day in and day out, he knows what he’s doing to help us get three points.”

Emery knew the importance of Villa not solely reducing themselves to a counter-attacking threat. He wanted to create overloads centrally, selecting four archetypal central midfielders in a box shape that would lock on man-to-man against a City side without the suspended Rodri and a specialist midfielder.

There was a soft launch of the approach three days earlier at Bournemouth, in which the system used against City was unfurled in the second half. Emery has spoken about trialling different tactical systems during games, due to four fixtures in nine days affording scant time on the training pitch. Instead, messages needed to be explained while watching video clips inside the auditorium at Villa’s training ground.

Bailey’s role was instrumental in trialling formation. He was asked to stay high and wide on the right but, with Youri Tielemans playing slightly deeper nearby, make darting runs inside — similar to Ollie Watkins, who would stretch play in the opposite channel.

As encapsulated in his goal, Emery gave licence to Bailey in particular, encouraging him to dribble at speed and towards Josko Gvardiol. Within a touchline microcosm where the cogs in both managers whirred, Bailey’s usage was part of a broader plan to offset City’s rhythm.

“Sometimes at home, we are watching him and thinking ‘Wow, what a player’,” said Emery.

“He even plays better at home because he feels the love from the fans,” Bailey’s stepfather Craig Butler told The Athletic, watching from back home in Jamaica. “He’s very motivated by appreciation and how you feel about him — you’ve just seen that.”

As it turned out, Villa won possession in the final third 13 times against City, the most ever by an opposition team against Guardiola. They were shaken and stirred to dizzying levels and to the point where Erling Haaland was forced to clear inside his box while defenders slipped and slid in panicked scrambles to atone for errors.

“It was all about getting on the front foot tonight,” said one source close to the dressing room.

“We did the high press and being at home, we are really successful,” said Emery. “We have to be organised doing it and against City too, trying to recover the ball from their players is difficult. But we were very organised and did a fantastic job.”

While Emery carried out post-match media duties, members of his backroom team joined in with players’ dressing-room celebrations. It was controlled but jubilant, with team photos being taken before being congratulated by their families after they had made their way down from the player boxes.

This was a night to savour. Emery’s Villa have reached new heights and delivered the club’s greatest, most optimal performance of recent times — and they did so against Europe’s best team.

Blimey. I've read books shorter than that post. UTV😀

[rob_bridge]

McNulty is happy as it opens the door for Liverpool. Yeah I know he says he is an Everton fan but I have never know a rival fanC to write such sycophnatic drivel about their rivals over the last 20 years

Controversial perhaps but I'd be happy for Liverpool to win it if it can't be us. Man City not launching their annual comeback and being out of contention in latter part of the season, but Arsenal still bottling it would be glorious to watch. Although Liverpool missing out on the title by 2 points, bringing up that Spurs game again, would also be an enjoyable end to the season.

It's a hard one. City are financial dopers. Hate it regardless of how good they play. Klopp's 'act' as the smiley, happy, uncle wore thin a good while back. Replay the Spurs game - he fucking moans about kick off times let alone extra games. Arteta jeeps he is turning into Mourinho without the trophies.

I'd rather us or Spurs win. Neither will likely as not.

[Smithy]

If it's not us, I can't be happy for anybody else but Liverpool would be the least worst option. I despise Arteta and don't want him to win anything, ever.

I want us to finish above Arsenal, because it gives Unai further vindication. They sacked the best manager in the country, and though I'm grateful they did, I want them to rue that decision forever.

[RalphVilla]

52 years of watching the Villa has given some fantastic memories, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team play such confident, assured, focused, quality football as Villa last night.