While new signing Shay Given’s importance and indeed excellence was obvious in Villa’s season opener, making five key saves in the match, a couple of out-of-the-loop outfielders caught the eye in Alex McLeish’s first game in charge.

Welcome Back, Warnock

Warnock returned to Premier League action with minimal fuss and indeed caught the eye in helping his side keep a clean sheet a Fulham—a feat they failed to achieve on the road for the entirety of last season. The one-time England international was frozen out under the previous regime despite a lack of natural cover at left-back, with personal differences impinging on Houllier’s decision-making in more than one instance last term.

However, with McLeish now in place, the full-back has impressed in training pre-season and continued his unflappable work rate last time out. The left-back’s 77 touches of the ball showed his willingness to get involved in the play and provide an out-ball out wide, with this figure trumping any other player on the field on Saturday. The fact that James Collins was the second-most active player for Villa, with 66 touches at Craven Cottage, is indicative of the defensive work required, but also a lack of attacking ideas.

Defensively, Warnock, along with both Dunne and Collins, made no tackles during the game, though seven interceptions was a team high, with Young making just one on the opposite flank. Warnock also made four clearances to the right back’s zero, as well as one crucial block during the game.

The returning defender also proved his competencies in possession, making a team-high 45 passes with an impressive 82% accuracy. He also completed one key pass and attempted three crosses in the match compared to just one on the opposite side from Young. His 75% accuracy with eight attempted long balls also proves that his efforts are somewhat more fruitful than the likes of Collins’ hoofs, with the centre-back reaching his target with just two of 10 attempted long passes.

Delph in McLeish’s First Team Plans?

While Stephen Warnock’s inclusion against Fulham and likelihood to become a regular again at Villa was more obvious, Fabian Delph’s impressive involvement may be a sign of things to come from the youngster, with McLeish a known admirer. The former Leeds man was somewhat of surprise starter ahead of Jean Makoun, but justified McLeish’s faith with a bright performance in the first half in particular.

Only Petrov (63) joined the aforementioned Warnock and Collins in having more touches than Delph’s figure of 60, though the youngster’s distribution stood head and shoulders above the rest. At just 20, and having recovered from a string of injuries, Delph is beginning to look incredibly assured in possession—an assumption backed up by a fantastic pass success rate of 91%. When you consider Delph’s greater forward impetus when in possession compared to Petrov, his accuracy is even more impressive, with Petrov reaching his target with a still-decent 81% of his passes. His efforts also yielded one key pass in the match leading to a chance for the visitors.

He made a joint high of two tackles in the match, along with Young and Agbonlahor, and one more than Petrov, as well as contributing with two interceptions and one clearance defensively. His passing range also caught the eye, reaching his target with Warncok’s joint-high of 75% of four attempted long balls, while midfield partner Petrov was inaccurate with all five of his attempts. Delph was one of only three players to complete a successful cross, along with wide-men Agbonlahor and N’Zogbia, and certainly stole the show in midfield.

Next Time Out…

The analysed duo’s performances from the weekend should ensure them a starting berth against Blackburn, but with Petrov unlikely to be dropped, Delph could be unfortunate to miss out with the likes of Bannan, Makoun, and Ireland all waiting in the wings. Personally, I would like to see Stan challenged, as he produced his best football at the end of last season having been left out by Houllier, and the awaiting centre-midfield trio could all offer more creativity on home turf.

In terms of the so-called ‘fluid’ front four that failed pretty miserably, playing players in their natural positions will be key at home, in my opinion. Heskey did more to earn a place than Agbonlahor, and could continue in a more attacking 4-4-2, while Albrighton made a bright cameo and should start in place of Gabby on Saturday, I feel.

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