Aston Villa eased their way into the semi-finals of the Europa League to setup the first all English European semi-final in a UEFA competition since 2009.
Though the match in Bologna had it’s fair share of problems with Villa needing to weather the storm in Italy before striking, there was no problems at all at Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s men scored three first half goals, controlling the rest of the game and even putting a cherry on top with a fourth goal late on in the second half. The score line could’ve been even better had Morgan Rogers converted a first half penalty but it was well saved by Federico Ravaglia.
Credit has to be given to Villa’s defence and full-backs who were aggressive throughout in ensuring Bologna didn’t have the same threat as they did at home and basically nullified their attack for the whole match.
A gorgeous passing move, some quick thinking by Emiliano Buenida and a result of Villa’s excellent direct balls was enough to see Bologna off and Ezri Konza’s header late on made it a 4-0 thrashing with the second half being a tepid viewing as the Villains eased through.
In this article we’ll cover
Direct balls
Bologna aimed to press Villa’s midfield two in Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans whilst waiting for Emiliano Martinez to pass the ball wide before pressing.
The problem with this? Well, it’s not as if Villa go long in hope it’s more in purpose in their 4-2-2-2.
The two ahead of Onana and Tielemans mean that they can hover and roam centrally or wide coming close to the ball depending on where it is in defence.
Bologna aimed to push up and press Villa high, but Watkins or Rogers would drop deep to recieve the long ball and drop it off whilst dragging a Bologna defender out of the defensive line.
For the third goal for example, Onana and Tielemans were pressed but Martinez just waited for the gaps to open beyond them.
After going long to Watkins he fooled his man and ran into the channel, eventually he could cross for Rogers to score.
The statistics back this up with Villa attempting 49 long passes and completing 25 of them.
It was difficult from a Bologna perspective because whilst a high press is a brave approach deployed by Vincenzo Italiano who is known as one of Italy’s smartest coaches, because of the two goal cushion Villa had, they didn’t really need to be forced into a mistake.
The last resort they had (if needed) was to just go long and clear the ball 50 yards which suits the way they can play.
Brilliant Watkins back to his best
In Watkins’ own word it has been one of the ‘toughest’ seasons he has faced. Perhaps not being included in Thomas Tuchel’s final camp before the World Cup was the motivation he needed.
The forward has made no secret that he is determined to play in America this summer and from his performance today he seems like a man possessed.
Watkins is at his best when he fools defenders in dropping off deep, laying the ball of and then quickly makings runs in behind. It allows Villa to play in a versatile manner because they can quickly hit teams on the break or look to release him as an out-ball.
It means in a match like today, he can make runs centrally or from the wing as he is much more than just a number nine but still possesses the finishing ability of a striker who can score 20+ goals in a season.
His first goal and the way he helped to create for Rogers showcases this.
There was a phase early on in the game where the referee blew for many fouls and Watkins and central defender Martin Vitik were tusslling.
Previously in the season, the English striker may have shied away or became unenthusiastic but it was clear he wanted to continue to be physical and be a nuisance to Vitik and Bologna.
Though he will be disappointed at scoring 12 goals in 44 matches this season, there is still time to turn things around and get to the World Cup and judging by this performance, he very much has it in him to hit the right form at the right time and make Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Villa have been stunning in the Europa League and often at times it has seemed like a competition they may be too good for having lost just one game the entire campaign.
But, with Nottingham Forest through after beating Porto, it sets up a mouth-watering all-English semi-final tie over two legs.
Make no mistake about it, whilst they are in a good position in the league and have given Emery a chance to become a Europa League winner for the fourth time, the hard work starts now to ensure they reach the Champions League.
Be it through winning the Europa League or finishing in the Champions League places in the Premier League.
Quietly, Emery has produced another fabulous season whilst navigating tough injury issues. They are in the position they want to be in the league and in Europe, a final push from Emery and his men could ensure a good season becomes a fantastic one.