Yesterday at Villa Park against Leeds United, it felt like we were watching a side trying to function without its engine room. Take John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, and Youri Tielemans out of any team, and you are going to feel it. That trio is the heartbeat of this Aston Villa side; lose them, and of course, there will be a downturn in form. They say you do not know what you have until it is gone. In our case, it is painfully obvious.
I will be honest, I was not convinced about Douglas Luiz returning. Not because he is not a good player; he is, but because I believe we have evolved away from what he offers. The same could be said of Leon Bailey. The team has changed since they were here last; if they are to play a role, perhaps it is best suited from the bench, impacting games rather than shaping them from the start.
At this moment, a pairing like Amadou Onana and Lamare Bogarde in front of the defence might be a better option. Onana gives you physical presence and bite, Bogarde brings composure and discipline. In a period where stability is everything, that could be what we need right now.
If Ross Barkley is fit, he should start. He has the confidence to carry the ball and commit defenders, something we lacked for large parts of the game. And when Jadon Sancho came on in the 61st minute along with Barkley, the shift was noticeable. There was an injection of energy, a willingness to take risks, to drive at Leeds rather than recycle possession.
And then there was Tammy Abraham. A very late equaliser, the kind that keeps seasons alive. It was not just about the finish; it was about being in the right place when it mattered most. At this stage of the campaign, that instinct is priceless. The question now is whether he has done enough to earn a start on Friday evening. On current evidence, it is hard to argue against it.
We are at the business end of the season now. There is no room for passengers, no time for slow starts. Every match demands total commitment, every player doing his bit. Unai Emery has raised the standards at this football club, but yesterday it did feel like the changes could have come sooner. When momentum is drifting, you have to grab it.
Still, we are hanging in there. That is what matters. Not at our fluent best, not at full strength, but still competing, still fighting, still picking up points. It is going to take everyone, players, manager, and supporters alike. The stakes are high, and the next game comes quickly. UTV
Good article and I am in general agreement yes Abraham has to start next game also Sancho looked class when he came on and made a big difference it’s a no brainer for Villa to offer him a permanent contract. As for Bailey woeful and shouldn’t start again