sonzu

Emery once again proving why he is one of the best tacticians of the modern game. Brugge tried to set up a high line to mount some early pressure on an inexperienced Villa side who are still trying to find their rhythm after a poor start to the season. But without their best defender in Ordoñez, the back line lacked pace when a simple ball was played over it. Props to Jackson, who took on their CBs all by himself. One of his best qualities is that he's elite at linking everyone around him and stretching the backline. As good was his goal was, the 2nd goal shows why Emery rates him highly, even when the general discourse around him is highly critical. Gomes and Kamara have finally clicked, and both did a superb job covering for one another. Kamara, after his injury last season, is quietly turning out to be one of the best free transfers in the league. Can we take a moment to talk about Zion Suzuki? Villa's recruitment team did an amazing job buying him for 30M, and he already looks better than Martínez. Good with both feet, good positioning, and a calming presence at the back. He's young and will make mistakes, but he's got huge potential to become the best keeper in the world. Only UCL game worth watching (couldn't watch Lille-Betis ☹️)

Did we deserve to win this? Nope. Plagued with the same old problems of not controlling the match past the 20-minute mark. Losing Caicedo and not replacing Fernández is starting to cost us. Absolutely zero control of the midfield, and no one to cover for the defence when our RCB or LCB stepped up the pitch. And as good as Neto was moving up the pitch, he mostly left Acheampong deserted against Tzolis and Calafiori. I think a more defensive-minded wingback in Palestra would've done better. Thank Xabi for Emi Martínez, because this could've been way worse if not for him. I'd say Xabi made the best use of the players available to him and tweaked his tactics to get a fairer share of possession, trying to go toe-to-toe with the best team in England. Hopefully it turns out to be a repeat of the Chelsea 2016 moment, because we have the potential for a title run. Arteta set out to win and set up his team well after the early goal. Ødegaard, Rice, and Myles Lewis-Skelly cooked the Chelsea midfield, and we genuinely had no answers to their brilliance. As much as I hate him, Havertz is turning out to be one of the best number 9s in the league. Apart from his goal, his link-up play with the wingers and midfielders was top-tier, and the feint for the second goal was sublime. Ruined my weekend. Great game to end it though.

Tuned in for the second half. Could Carrick have managed the game well? Yes Was it actually the players who let down tools? Also yes So much space after Everton committed men forward for the equalizer, and they subbed of Mainoo who is the only one adept in evading the press and progressing the ball further down the field. Nice to see Everton finding their feet after a disastrous transfer window. United will land on their feet. Feels like they have figured out their best XI. But they need to work on conceding these stupid goals as the clock winds down. Happened vs Ipswich (didn't matter anyway) and now against Everton (Mattered a whole lot)