"Can Arsenal Halt Aston Villa's Title Dreams? Unai Emery's Mastery in Game Management at Play!"

Table of Contents

• Match Preview
• For He’s an Ollie Good Fellow
• Onana, What’s Your Game?
• Morgan Free-Man
• Round But Not Through…
• How Do You Stop Aston Villa?

ASTON VILLA has the opportunity to equal Arsenal's points when the two teams clash in the Premier League on Tuesday.

The Villans enter the match with an impressive 11-match winning streak following their victory on Saturday.

Aston Villa rallied from behind to defeat Chelsea on SaturdayCredit: Getty Villa is set to face Premier League leaders Arsenal nextCredit: EPA

came off the bench to provide a vital spark in the second half, scoring both goals that allowed the visitors to come from behind at Stamford Bridge and secure all three points.

This was a brilliant decision by the head coach at a crucial moment, keeping the team in third place and just three points behind the league leaders – whom they will face in their next match.

Aston Villa can approach this match with a great deal of confidence due to their recent form.

However, it will require a significant effort to overcome the title contenders.

In this week’s Tactics Exposed, Dean Scoggins analyzes how Villa triumphed over Chelsea and how the Gunners can counter them at the Emirates Stadium.

FOR HE’S AN OLLIE GOOD FELLOW

Emery currently faces a dilemma regarding which forward to start.

Watkins has been significantly more effective in open play, while Villa tends to score more frequently when is on the pitch.

Malen was entirely isolated in the first half against and Villa struggled to advance far enough up the pitch to support him.

Ollie Watkins was instrumental in the victory against ChelseaCredit: Getty

After halftime, began collaborating with Malen to pin the center-backs and maintain possession higher up the pitch.

Emery then made tactical changes at the 60-minute mark, introducing , and most importantly, Watkins to sustain the intensity.

Advancing a midfielder and a forward higher positioned Chelsea on the defensive.

Moreover, the Blues were unsettled by Watkins’ persistent marking of the last defender, which forced another player back for additional protection.

As a result, Villa was able to advance more effectively.

ONANA, WHAT’S YOUR GAME?

Similar to Watkins, Onana was outstanding after being substituted in against Chelsea.

His presence allowed Villa to navigate the pitch much more freely due to his movement and passing skills.

His entry raised the level of because he had support alongside him.

It also resulted in a surge in , who enjoyed more freedom to operate higher up the field.

Aston Villa greatly improved with Amadou Onana partnering Boubacar Kamara in midfieldCredit: Getty

MORGAN FREE-MAN

With Kamara and Onana controlling the midfield during the second half at Stamford Bridge, Rogers found himself with the space and freedom to create in attack.

This was particularly evident in the build-up to the equalizer, where he should have been credited with the assist.

The 23-year-old also contributes defensively on the pitch, which is incredibly advantageous.

Morgan Rogers excels when he is allowed to occupy the space between the striker and midfieldCredit: Getty

ROUND BUT NOT THROUGH…

It’s quite challenging to penetrate Villa’s defense due to their box formation in the midfield, especially with the two central midfielders positioned directly in front of the two center-backs.

The two forwards – typically the No10 and the striker – also remain close together to maintain this structure throughout the pitch.

Full-backs and wingers also