Unai Emery’s post-match interview was the thoughtful and measured assessment we are now coming to expect after victory over Brighton. The Spaniard will be delighted to have overcome both Manchester United and The Seagulls, improving Villa’s league position, and also the outlook for the campaign going into the World Cup break.
Embed from Getty ImagesWe competed very well today but I think we didn’t play brilliant. But we played how we needed to after they scored so quickly – our reaction was amazing.
Its very important to win away. But the most important thing is how we compete and be demanding of ourselves and disciplined.
Unai emery
It wasn’t always pretty, but it was certainly effective in stifling a Brighton side undefeated under Roberto Di Zerbi.
The hosts took the lead early, capitalising upon a loose pass from Martinez to Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian pleaded for a foul in vain as Mac Allister curled a cool effort into the net. At just 48 seconds, you barely had time to peel the thermo-nuclear heated pastry lid from your pie.
Seasoned Villa supporters would have been forgiven for digging out their Kindle for the remainder of the game or opting for the bright lights of Brighton instead.
However, things are suddenly different to the predictable weekly malaise under Gerrard. It’s early days under Emery, but the signs are promising.
Villa didn’t capitulate, they reverted to the game plan and diligently competed across the entire pitch. It was open and the hosts had their chances too, with a late spurned free header a notable reminder. Although, for all of the possession (60%+), Brighton managed just two shots on target all afternoon.
Villa once again looked dangerous and have finally adopted an approach to suit the attributes of key players. Ings, deputising for Watkins who was taken ill, marauded little more than 20 yards from the goal. He does what he does very well.
The former Liverpool and Southampton striker took his chances, blasting in a first-half penalty, before sealing all three points after neatly stepping aside a challenge in the area to squeeze the ball home.
Embed from Getty ImagesLuiz, so unfortunate in the lead-up to the Brighton opener was central to the winner. Mopping up after Emi Buendia’s diving header rebounded off the post, the Brazilian robbed Mac Allister in a reverse of the earlier battle to feed the ball for Ings to slot home.
There was controversy too. Lucas Digne was judged fortunate after an attempted clearance in the area saw his momentum strike the leg of the Brighton player. You’ve seen them given, but do we now punish defenders when an opponent steps into the space when they’re ball-striking?
Further controversy lay in Brighton’s growing incense at Villa’s application of the dark arts as the game went on.
Every throw needed lengthy consideration and a dried ball, which in-turn required gentle squeezing and a few bounces. Each goal kick required a careful placing of the ball, a survey of the field, a sip of isotonic drink and a momentary pause to consider one’s place in the world. Martinez was booked by the largely useless referee in the depths of injury time, as yet more seconds fell through the looking glass.
It is what it is. For years we have been subject to the dark arts or done it badly. Again, things appear different now.
With the full-time whistle, Emery could breathe a sigh of relief that maximum points had been secured from his opening two games.
Few could have honestly thought that 6 points were possible even after the managerial change. Fewer still would have imagined that realistic had Gerrard remained, with his departure likely preventing what seemed destined to be a season of unfathomable struggle. This blog firmly believed that we risked sleepwalking into a relegation battle. What a chance a few weeks can make.
Instead, Villa go into the enforced World Cup break in far healthier condition.
With the opportunity for most of the senior squad to continue on to warm weather training until the restart, we shall look forward to how Villa emerge and kick on into 2023.
Embed from Getty ImagesSASSUOLO VS. BOLOGNA PREDICTIONS & BETTING TIPS
All 20 teams will be involved in the final weekend of Serie A matches prior to the World Cup. These Sassuolo vs. Bologna predictions involve a mid-table battle. Bologna is now 12th in the table, with Sassuolo being 13th.
Let’s first learn about the basics of football betting before we move on to this match’s predictions.
How Football Betting Works?
You can only place bets on the latest football matches as a professional if you understand the basics of football betting. These events are drawn from various football tournaments, such as the following:
- English Premier League
- UEFA Champions League
- European Championship
- Copa America
- FIFA Club World Cup
- FA Cup
Every sportsbook offers a variety of football markets and different odds sizes for you to place your bets. Some sportsbooks offer additional features that can be helpful in football betting. It is up to you which markets and odds to choose when placing your football bets. You can place live or pre-match bets. Many sportsbooks also offer spread betting and fixed odds betting.
Here are the facts about football odds
The probability that a football event will occur is called the Football Odds. These odds are often associated with betting markets on football matches. You can calculate how much money your winning bet will bring in using football odds. It is important to only choose sportsbooks that offer high odds. You can use odds to identify your favorite team and the underdog, particularly if you plan to place a simple Home Win.
Different odds formats are used by different countries and continents. This is why bookies provide odds formats such as American, Malay, and Indo to their players. Therefore, before signing up, it is important to understand the odds offered by any bookie.
Now that you understand a bit more about football betting, let’s talk about the Sassuolo vs. Bologna match odds.
Sassuolo vs. Bologna odds
- Bologna to win on – 16/11
- Bologna over 1.5 total goals – 23/20
- Total goals over 2.5 – 6/7
- Both teams to score 5/7
- Bologna to Win 2-1 at – 9.1
Bologna and Sassuolo are locked in the middle of the table, so it is difficult to make a decision based on league position.
Bologna has the advantage in current form and league position, with Thiago Motta’s team winning their last two home matches and Sassuolo not picking up a single point in their three Serie A matches away.
This streak should be enough for Bologna to get a crucial win before they travel on the World Cup break next Wednesday.
Bologna has had a positive run of results, with five goals in their last three home league matches. They also scored in six of their seven home league matches.
Despite a positive run of results, the team has struggled to keep clean sheets at home.
Bologna will have problems with Sassuolo’s attack, especially considering their defensive issues at home. Alessio Diionsi’s team scored in three of seven away games of Serie A action.
Bologna’s four Serie A matches in total have seen over 2.5 goals scored and more than 1.5 goals scored by Motta.
Although this tie may not be a classic battle for Serie A in 2022, Bologna will still be trying to extend their winning streak at home and climb into the top half before the end of the calendar year.
How do I stream Sassuolo vs. Bologna?
Sassuolo vs. Bologna can be streamed live via Sporticos. Bettors are able to view the entire game through a valid account. Just remember that you must have sufficient funds in your betting wallet up to 24 hours before the macth to be able to place a new wager.
Sassuolo vs. Bologna line-ups
Bologna (3-4-3-3): Posch, Lucumi Soumaoro and Skorupski; Cambiaso; Dominguez Schouten, Barrow, Orsolini; Ferguson; Aranutovic.
Sassuolo (4-3-3): Kyriakopoulos, Erlic, Ferrari, Toljan; Consigli; Frattesi, Lopez, Thorstvedt; Traore, D’Andrea, Pinamonti.
Bologna team news
Bologna’s injury situation is unchanged for this game, with Kevin Bonifazi out of Motta’s team until after the World Cup. He could, however, reshuffle his starting lineup with Riccardo Olini and Jerdy Schouten, aiming to return to the start line-up.
Sassuolo team news
Dionisi won’t risk Domenico Berardi while he continues to recover from an injury. Mert Muldur and Gregoire Defrel are still out of action. Georgios Cyriakopoulos may make a rare appearance in this one for Sassuolo.