If the cliche “it a game of two halves” required a citation, this game would be the perfect example. Whilst Wolves found themselves in front at the break, Villa kicked into top gear in the second period to comfortably brush aside Gary O’Neill’s struggling side. Once more we left Villa Park with a deserved three points and with it a result that lifted us into third position in the Premier League. And what better day to do it, on an afternoon of tribute to Villa great Gary Shaw.
Embed from Getty ImagesFIRST HALF FLAWS
You can’t be perfect, all of the time. The first half display was easily amongst the worst we’ve seen in recent memory and totally out of character on current form. Don’t just take it from me. So poor in fact, Emery strode off before the whistle for half-time blew and referred to it as his worst 45 minutes as a Villa manager (*he must forget Stevenage]. Villa were pedestrian, lacked the press and so many just weren’t in the game.
Diego Carlos, still on probation for many, did little to help his prospects of a long term future at the club. A poor, loose pass was pounced upon by Cunha who finished with precision beyond Martinez. A totally self inflicted goal. Villa were fortunate that it remained just one. Wolves would rue a header straight at Emi, an effort that trickled past the far post and more than one goal mouth scramble that could have gone either way. To compound matters, we lost McGinn to what is suspected to be a hamstring injury. We were grateful to hear the referee’s halftime whistle and stagger back to our corner like a weary boxer.
Embed from Getty ImagesSECOND HALF, SECOND CHANCES.
One of Emery’s qualities is that he doesn’t hook off guilty parties at the first opportunity. He gives them the chance of redemption and presumably reminds them that they can play football to the game plan, if they choose.
In the second period, Villa came out a different beast, and Wolves struggled to have anything resembling football in reply. O’Neill’s side are making the types of errors that we used to in the years that led to our relegation, including thinking that deploying the dark arts of time-wasting and unsporting behaviour ultimately gets you anywhere. There were countless attempts to delay the restarts, play-acting, players going to the touchline to take on drinks and even a protracted comedy sketch where one of them produced a theatrical surprise to learn he had been substituted. Karma is a bitch.
Karma was in this case delivered by the likes of Ross Barkley and Jhon Duran appearing on the touchline. Barkley, who has quietly impressed on his return after an outstanding season at Luton, compliments Tielemans like a good port does a fine cheese. His control, vision and range of passing released Morgan Rogers to do serious damage. Duran has always brought chaos to those in the know at Villa Park, but he also now carries a fear factor for opposition sides. Seriously, how do you prepare yourself to stop a player like Duran?
It was the 73rd minute when Villa drew level, Watkins, who had worked hard to little reward forced a ball into the Wolves net at The Holte End. It was a celebration of relief and a feeling that the game had truly turned. Tielemans, very very impressive again, curled a deep cross into the box that invited Konsa to run on and volley home. A fine goal. The third put the game to bed and again involved great work by Tielemans to release Rogers. Rogers burst forward with Wolves retreating and squared to Duran who guided the ball home from six yards out.
Embed from Getty ImagesVilla 3-1 Wolves
This was a good display of genuine tactical nouse and individual resilience. Not phases historically you would associate as a supporter with Aston Villa. Under Emery, we are extremely fortunate to be watching a manager who truly does know how to manage a game of football. This is complimented by a squad that continues to evolve, and has individuals who individually are varied yet brilliant, but most importantly, look like a proper team. The win takes us deservedly to third and we now look ahead to a midweek away trip to Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Cup. UTFV.