@jacobtanswell.bsky.social
Aston Villa writer for The Athletic | #AVFC | Subscribe here: https://theathletic.com
@jacobtanswell.bsky.social"Our job, personally as a defender, is to keep the ball out of the net. Maybe we need to work on getting structurally stronger.
"I wouldn't say it’s just defence, it’s more structure as a team, which has been a success for us." #AVFC
@jacobtanswell.bsky.social#AVFC have conceded two or more goals in their nine games this season.
Matty Cash: "Actually it's something we spoke about as a team. The manager mentioned it yesterday if we are conceding goals, we are not going to win games at this level as you'll get punished."
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialMatteo Ruggeri expected to miss over a month with a hamstring injury. But Leon Goretzka is in #AVFC squad to face Fenerbahce - Ian Maatsen returned to individual training on Monday.
@jacobtanswell.bsky.social"Gortezka is in the squad tomorrow, George Hemmings has a small pain, maybe back next week." #AVFC
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialEmery: "Players like Ruggeri are injured, not sure how long exactly he will be, but some weeks. More than a month. So we have to find solutions because Maatsen is not yet available for tomorrow. I think he should be getting better, in a few days, one week or two weeks joining us, so is positive."
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialIan Maatsen returned to individual work on the grass today as he steps up his recovery. The extent of Matteo Ruggeri’s hamstring injury not yet clear after first scans, but obviously not expected to return in the immediate weeks. Should get a more accurate timeframe in the coming days. #AVFC
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialJohn McGinn looked like he would again be Villa Park's firestarter against Brentford. But Unai Emery needs others to put them out or turn the temperature down. The quest for control remains this season.
@jacobtanswell.bsky.social"You can feel the history here. I love coming here. But there is one side missing, it feels different.” #AVFC
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialKeith Andrews on Villa Park's three stands: "I certainly hate it as a player (when one side is missing). I don't know what it is, but if there’s a whole stand missing, it doesn't sit well with me. Naturally it doesn't generate the same atmosphere.
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialLed to looking quite desperate early on here. Lack of control means defence is exposed more, broken upon more & feel slightly more fragile.
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialFT: #AVFC 2-2 Brentford
A fair result. Villa edged quality of chances, Brentford had more attacks - roughly similar number of touches in the box. Hull aside, partly because they want you to, Villa not really controlling games this season.
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialManzambi and Gomes off. #AVFC
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialAlysson and Barkley are coming on. #AVFC
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialLess than two minutes between both teams scoring again. #AVFC switch off and don't track Ajer. Emery has not looked at his bench for a while.
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialGoal, Brentford. 2-2
Just as #AVFC did in the first half, Brentford instantly respond.
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialVery composed from Manzambi to pick out McGinn. His deflected shot finds the far corner. Relentless. 2-1
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialHow Villa needed their captain. Of course it's John McGinn. Four matches played for Scotland in 10 days. Played all but three minutes but here he is, still on the pitch 76 minutes in, finding a way to produce for #AVFC.
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialFeels a bit of a shootout, now. No control, end-to-end. Manzambi and Jackson finding success when they peel off to the left. Busy international break for some of the players on the pitch, so they're having to dig deep now. #AVFC
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialBrentford continuing to grow in ambition. Testing #AVFC from crosses. Suzuki has made a few good interventions. Villa have to step it up as labouring currently.
@jacobtanswell.bsky.socialReplaces Emiliano Buendia. Manzambi moves to the left, McGinn as the 10, Mbaye on the right. #AVFC
