I doubt I’m alone in spending this weekend trying to work out how Aston Villa didn’t take at least a point from our trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday evening.
Despite clearly being the better team, and having the better chances over the course of 90 minutes, very avoidable defensive errors massively cost us. Whilst it was hardly fluid to begin with as we adjusted to a new 352 shape, we were in the game from the start and even going 1-0 down 15 minutes in didn’t shake us.
If anything it focused us and we massively dug in, bossing the remainder of the first half where we should’ve scored at least three times – but didn’t.
The game changed and became more open when they got their second four minutes into the restart, and although you could see it clearly affected us, heads still didn’t drop and we still edged on top – until the late third when the game had petered out.
A much better performance than we’ve seen so far this season after pre-season issues, a far greater threat than our ‘get it to’ approach since Dean Smith took charge and someone regained fitness, a proper team approach with some bite and options in a good formation that suits us and positives a 3-0 defeat wouldn’t normally hold.
I’m clearly not the only one thinking it.
352 - Is It The Future?
Yes
No
Honestly no idea how we haven’t scored. Been top quality so far
— Jonny Bartleet (@Jontypython_Jr) September 11, 2021
Not even mad. We look brilliant going forwards. Champions league winning defence and we’re all over it. Even if we lose there’s a LOT of promise with this system.
— Josh (@Jannetts_) September 11, 2021
The scorline doesn't do justice just how impressive we've been. Really exciting.
— Bzp (@b_z_p1) September 11, 2021
One of the most entertaining 45 minutes I've seen from us for some time – great tempo/desire.
Same again please! 👏
— Andrew Ashburn (@AndrewAshburn) September 11, 2021
End to end.
Mendy has been unbelievable in goal.
Hopefully we can take one of our chances or two. #CHEAVL #avfc— AndyAVFC 🏴🦁 (@bradfadbad69) September 11, 2021
Poor defending for Chelsea goal but apart from that this has been promising from villa. Shown more attacking flair than we have all season. Mendy in goal has been the star player of the half. Good to see Watkins back hope we can keep this up but It's going to be tough
— Mick Stanley (@mickstan63) September 11, 2021
keep this formation imo
— Max 🇦🇹 🏴 (@maxavfclove) September 11, 2021
I'm really enjoying this game. Proud of lads so far. Pushed up too high on them for goal but was class from them.
How we haven't scored yet 😩
If only Watkins put a better through ball to Ings!!
Luiz & McGinn been fantastic IMO 🤩
They know they've been in a game
UTV 🦁 #AVFC— ☆☆CM PUNK☆☆ {#RestoreTheSnyderVerse}🦁 (@2ndCitySaint90) September 11, 2021
Why can’t we play like this when superman isn’t in goal and Thiago silva isn’t playing like a prime maldini?
— Daniel Franklin (@DanAVFC_67) September 11, 2021
Best we've ever played without JG in the team for the last two seasons.
— Berdan (@Berdan08914685) September 12, 2021
Play this formation again pleaseeeeeee
— Jamie🇯🇲 (@KONSAISTHEGOAT) September 11, 2021
The score's the score, but I'm enjoying this game so much. The best Villa have looked in a good while – great pressing, midfield is looking great, and Konsa/Mings looking strong when going forward too, and Ramsey playing a blinder. Still plenty in this. Big 2nd half ahead! #AVFC
— an avid collector of dust (@rad_nauseam) September 11, 2021
For the first time in a long while I’m over the moon with that first half. That formation with 2 up front and players working there arse off will get us into Europe. Battered Chelsea up to now. Well done
— bret harris (@bretharris4) September 11, 2021
We should be winning and winning comfortably
— Fadegods #7🦁 (@F9der84) September 11, 2021
pls keep 3-5-2
— 𝒥𝑜𝑒 • 𝐹𝟦𝐹 (@JoesVillaArmy) September 11, 2021
Give this system time and we'll be alright this season
— Alex (@AlexAVFC92) September 11, 2021
