Now the season is a lengthy 3 games in I thought it would be about the right time to put McLeish to the sword! I realise that comprehensive statistics cannot really be compiled so early in the season, though the initial signs are a good indicator of progress in defensive departments.
Upon his appointment few would have doubted ‘Big Eck’s credentials when it comes to building a strong defence. It was a feature that saved Birmingham’s bacon for some time, up until the all-important injury to Scott Dann for the Blues, and is one the Scot will be hoping to recreate at Villa Park.
Though his predecessor failed to bring the results that the fans demanded, Houllier was given credit by some for ‘improving’ the style of football at the club. However, a look at the attacking stats from last season show that they are all but identical to those under McLeish, while the defensive figures have improved dramatically.
It is worth noting that Villa have only really played what you would have to call ‘inferior’ opposition this term, but 1 goal conceded in league and cup is a significant improvement on last term.
Under Houllier, Villa’s attacking threat -which included the likes of Young and Downing now earning admirers at United and Liverpool- saw them manage 10 shots per game, equalled by McLeish thus far this season, with 6 of those on target. Just 5 have been on target under the new manager, with the side completing less dribbles per game than last season (5 to 6), despite the signing of last season’s most successful dribbler Charles N’Zogbia.
In terms of possession they have managed 47% this year, which is equal 10th in the league, compared to a slightly improved 48% last, though this figure only ranked them equal 13th. The team’s pass accuracy has made a slight improvement, up 1% from 74% last season, ranking them equal 11th in the league.
So thus far in my investigation very little seems to have changed under McLeish, however, it is only when you assess the defensive statistics that you see the benefits that the new man has brought.
Villa conceded 16 shots per game last season with only the 3 relegated clubs, including McLeish’s Birmingham, faring worse. This term, McLesih’s defence led by a rejuvenated partnership in Collins and Dunne have conceded just 11. This figure is the second lowest in the league, only behind Chelsea, and is a true indicator of progression, despite the stature of clubs faced.
Defending as a team can be attributed to the aforementioned success, with the side having to make the 4th most tackles per game last season (22), compared to equal 15th most this (16). The defence’s reading of the game has improved and their understanding of their roles is a major asset to said development. Only Tottenham have made more interceptions per game than Villa’s figure of 20.
Despite these encouraging signs, perhaps the most significant improvement has been in an aerial sense, with defending from set-pieces clearly having been worked on over the summer. Villa had a 49% aerial success rate last season, which on the face of it, at equal 10th in the league, is not awful. However, this season the side has won a vastly improved 57% of their aerial contests, ranking them 4th in the league.
Many will say that defensive improvements will lead to a lack of attacking flair and threat, but building from the back is essential and if you don’t concede, you don’t lose. While the attacking side doesn’t appear to have immediately developed, it hasn’t decreased either and it is unsurprising to see McLeish focus on patching up a hole-ridden defence rather than focusing on sharpening his attack.
Despite this, improving at the front is something that will need to happen if the club is to have any hope of establishing itself as a European contender once again, so let’s see if McLeish can pull it off!
The Author
