At the moment, I’m probably the least reliable opinion on Unai Emery as I’ve not yet seen either match in which he’s been in charge. So, today will be interesting for me. And it’s certainly yet another big game for Villa as the world’s leagues pause for the World Cup. Three points here would be a nice way to finish off the season’s first half.
What do we get today? No idea. We’ve all researched Emery’s Villareal 4-4-2. Will we see it? Are the Mings’ rumblings true? Does Emery get £120m in January? There are always more questions than answers in football, Vill’s version of it at least.
Emery is viewed by almost everyone as a statement signing, as it’s hard to disagree. Probably the most experienced and successful manager Villa could’ve brought in at this point in time. And you probably couldn’t pick two managers more different than Gerrard and Emery. One inexperienced and arrogant, the other very experienced, tactically astute, and an actual coach on the training ground. Emery also seems likable and self aware.
I’m guessing a loss tonight would likely see Gerrard sacked, but maybe he’s been given Brentford, as well. Either way, that’s its own comment on the state of affairs: Gerrard’s tenure depends on Villa beating two teams that the owners would be expecting us to, and that we should be ahead of in terms of the club’s progression and ambition.
With Sawiris and Edens in town to watch, Villa battled against Chelsea, and on another day would’ve had a goal or two for their troubles. Perhaps they wouldn’t have either made or been punished for the two decisive errors. Could’ve had a result. Alas, ’twas not be. But losing to Chelsea was never the marker by which Gerrard’s body of work is going to be judged.
