Match Reaction: Aston Villa 1-1 West Ham – A Missed Opportunity
Aston Villa were left to rue what could have been after a 1-1 draw against West Ham United at Villa Park. Dominating possession for large spells against a Hammers side missing key attackers such as Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, and Niclas Füllkrug, Villa struggled to convert their control into a decisive result. The pivotal moment in the game was Tyrone Mings going off injured in the first half and how Villa shaped up in his absence.
Mings’ Injury Changes the Game
Villa’s early dominance was disrupted when Tyrone Mings, making only his seventh Premier League appearance in two years, was forced off with an injury. The decision to utilise Lucas Digne as a makeshift centre-back, with Ian Maatsen coming on for Mings to play on the left flank, had a noticeable impact on Villa’s balance and presented the Hammers with an obvious weakness to focus on.
Unai Emery acknowledged how the substitution disrupted Villa’s rhythm.
“Tyrone Mings’s injury was when we were in control of the game and feeling comfortable. After, we struggled a little bit in our process. We didn’t feel comfortable again after the first 20 minutes,” said Emery, after the game.
Emery’s desire for a left-footed centre-back to maintain his preferred build-up style meant Lamare Bogarde, who was initially preparing to come on, was overlooked.
“We have in the squad two players for every position, but Pau Torres is injured, and another centre-back, Diego Carlos, left,” reasoned, the Villa boss. “We have a versatile player like Lamare, but Lamare can play as a midfielder or a right-sided centre-back or right-back. Left-sided centre-back is more difficult for him because I want to build up with a left-footed player.”
While Digne put in a commendable shift, Villa clearly lost the defensive organisation and composure they had in the early stages. Emery admitted as much, noting:
“Lucas Digne helped us, but we lost a little bit.”
Mings injury fortunately isn’t as bad as was first feared. While the defender is expected to miss the Celtic game, he is mooted to be back in a couple of weeks tops.
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The Dilemma with Jhon Durán
Over the past week, Jhon Durán has once again been the focus of attention, with Emery addressing speculation around transfer links to the 21-year-old forward, after the match. Durán’s lack of impact in the Hammers’ game was noted, but Emery defended his player, insisting that the Colombian remains central to his plans.
“Some circumstances, of course, they are not helping us to focus 100%,” admitted Emery. “Jhon Durán is our player, and I am happy with him. I want him here. I want him here with us.”
UTV
