A point at the new Everton ground isn’t the worst result in the world. Everton away is never straightforward, and in truth, they could’ve pinched it. But thanks to a world-class performance from Emiliano Martínez, Villa head back to Birmingham with a lucky point.
Martinez was simply outstanding – sharp saves, strong hands, calm under pressure. He was my Man of the Match without question and the main reason we kept the clean sheet. Credit too to the back line, who held firm when tested. Emery will be pleased with the defensive effort.
Where he won’t be so happy is the other end of the pitch. Once again, Villa looked toothless in attack. The midfield knitted things together in patches, but when it came to creating real chances, there was very little to shout about. New arrivals like Elliot and Guessand are still bedding in, but the strikers need to wake up quickly if we’re to climb the table.
Emery’s got work to do – that much is clear. For now, though, we take the point, thank Martínez, and hope the attack clicks into gear sooner rather than later. UTV
I agree without Martinez yesterday we would have definitely lost that game. He proved yesterday why he as been voted the worlds best goalkeeper twice, yet again he pulls of 3 world class saves which in turn gives our defence the confidence to grind a result out. The big issue is in front of goal where we are struggling to even make an impact at all. The trouble is that we move the ball far to slow when in possession it’s always side to side and back, we are sloppy in possession and we play far to narrow which means we haven’t got anything out wide to stretch defences and create the chances for Ollie Watkins. Also Morgan Roger’s as been a shadow of himself at the start of the season compared to his pre season form and his performance for England last week. Hopefully Harvey Elliot and Jaden Sancho can bring that width and creativity once they have settled in and maybe we will also see Roger’s start to tick and help Ollie up top in that no10 roll he likes to play.
Let’s not forget we are only 4 games in and yes while our performances have been lack luster I’m sure Emery will turn the performances and form around and we will soon climb up the league. There’s no need to panic Emery will get it right. UTV
Yes. Agreed
I don’t know whether anyone else has noticed but I like how Guessand gets his foot in and wins the ball! More than Bailey did! He did let Grealish get a cross in for Keane’s attempt but most players wouldn’t have stopped him! I liked him up the right in the second half! Apart from that, good 90 for Bogarde, sound display from Mings and the worlds no. 1 !! (Malen to score v Brentford!!)
I agree. I think the more he plays and gets used to the pace of the premier league we will have a good player on our hands. Harvey Elliot will score on Tuesday against Brentford and I think Unai will give Sancho a run out as well, going to be tuff at Brentford but I’m going 2-1
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