Another tough fixture after a couple ‘easier’ ones that helped Villa find their feet again. Is it asking too much for Villa to log a second away win in a week? Maybe so. But if Tielemans is any guide, maybe the occasion will get the team’s attention from the off.
Another Boxing Day, another breakdown. Naturally it was disappointing, as was the officiating that contributed to it. That’s been much more the focus than the match itself, which is never a good thing.
Leipzig are a good side with plenty of CL experience that hasn’t yet won in this year’s competition after a very tough string of opponents. They’re also the second-most high-pressing team in the competition. So far, no German team has beaten an English side in this year’s edition. These are the kinds of things you don’t like to read.
Now that the dust has settled and the links are flying fast and furious, it’s probably time to turn our heads to the rumors gaining steam. It’s also probably not overly dramatic to say this may well be a crucial summer for Villa’s and Emery’s project.
Down 1-3 to Liverpool, it would’ve been all too easy to quit. Disappointment in the Conference League, a dreary loss to Brighton. Everything looked like it was fizzling out. But Villa had still something to say, and what they said is that the culture has changed. They weren’t going quietly into the night.
