Aston Villa collected a priceless second away win of the season by outfighting and outclassing Burnley at Turf Moor. Dean Smith got the reaction he wanted after their capitulation at Watford. A formation change and tactics worked a treat for Villa who seem to have found a new way of playing.
A Crucial Win for Aston Villa Engineered by Formation Change
Dean Smith Proved He Is Learning About the Premier League
Aston Villa were outstanding at Turf Moor as they registered a sixth league win and just a second on their travels. The pressure eases on Dean Smith after a turbulent December which saw them lose five of six. The manager wanted a reaction from his players, and he got it. His team battled from minute one at Turf Moor and thoroughly deserved their win.
However, that win came at a cost with two of Villa’s key man stretched off. Striker Wesley who scored a first goal in twelve league games went off after a challenge from Ben Mee. Tom Heaton also went off after injuring his knee trying to save Burnley’s goal. A double blow which took the gloss off a terrific win.
Dean Smith must take huge credit for their success at Turf Moor. The Villa boss changed formation at the start of a game for the first time. The return of Tyrone Mings allowed Villa to change shape and go into a back three. Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause were outstanding all afternoon and kept Burnley’s front two very quiet. That defensive presence allowed Douglas Luiz to press from midfield and the Brazilian did the job excellently. He pressed the Burnley midfield forcing mistakes and backward passing.
Jack Grealish will take the headlines but Villa as a team showed they are ready for the fight and a new way of playing going forward. The back three worked a treat and certainly, something Villa can continue to use going forward. A perfect tonic to start 2020 for Dean Smith as Villa secure a crucial win and climb out of the relegation zone.
Aston Villa Expected to Be Busy in The Transfer Window
Prior to their rotten December, it was expected Villa would be quiet in the January transfer window. However, their poor results, performances and injuries have meant their plans have changed.
Villa is looking at a mix of permanent and loan deals. They have also stated players with Premier League experience could be high on their agenda. A striker has been a priority throughout the season with only Wesley available. The striker has struggled but is slowly adapting to the English game with performances getting better. A striker is needed with Villa lacking goals and options up top. Villa’s wingers have also flattered to deceive at times. Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet have been very inconsistent so expect Villa to add another wide man.
John McGinn’s ankle injury in the defeat to Southampton has also prompted Villa to look at signing another midfielder. McGinn is expected to be out until March, so Villa is exploring options in the centre of the park with another body expected to arrive before the end of January.
Villa’s transfer business has already begun with the news Andre Green has been recalled from Preston North End and loaned to Charlton Athletic for the rest of the season.
Aston Villa will be active in January with a big run of fixtures to come. But they started 2020 perfectly and they will be full of confidence ahead of games against Leicester City and Manchester City to come in league and cup.
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