MusaAston Villa missed a huge opportunity to go above Manchester City in the Premier League yesterday, after only managing to draw 1-1 away at Bournemouth.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for Unai Emery’s side, but it wasn’t enough to secure all three points at the Vitality, with Rayan firing home to secure a point for the hosts.
The result moves the Villans level on points with Pep Guardiola’s men ahead of their clash with Liverpool today, but it’s for sure another missed opportunity for Emery and his side.
They have now failed to win each of their last two top-flight outings, which has left them looking over their shoulders, with Manchester United now winning four in a row.
However, their failure to secure all three points is down to numerous factors, with multiple players selected from the off being unable to meet expectations on the South Coast.
Aston Villa’s poor performers against Bournemouth
Left-back Lucas Digne was handed a return to the starting eleven after missing out against Brentford last week, but it was an afternoon to forget for the defender.
He only managed to complete 33% of the crosses he attempted, whilst being unable to create any chances for his teammates – showcasing his struggles within attacking areas.
The Frenchman was also dribbled past three times, whilst making just one interception, with his inability to prevent Rayan from entering the box costing Emery’s side all three points.
However, Digne wasn’t alone in failing to deliver, with striker Ollie Watkins once again struggling to provide the goods within the final third for the Villans.
The Englishman failed to score for the second straight match, whilst only registering one effort on goal – highlighting his struggles in front of goal once again.
He also committed four fouls, whilst failing to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, which reaffirms his lack of positive impact when the ball found him in forward areas.
The Villa star who was saved by Rogers against Bournemouth
For the fourth time in the last five Premier League matches, Villa failed to score more than one goal, which may be a contributing factor to the recent mini-dip in form.
Emery’s side haven’t been the most prolific side this campaign, as seen by their tally of just 36 goals, with such a tally the third lowest in the division’s top ten.
Rogers’ goal yesterday moved him onto eight goals for the league season, subsequently moving joint with Watkins, with the former of the duo having the campaign of his life in front of goal.
His strike at the Vitality on Saturday was another example of the quality he possesses, with it unthinkable where the side would be without his constant threat in the final third.
However, the same can’t be said for fellow attacker Emi Buendia, with the Argentine now struggling to emulate some of his form from around the festive period.
The 29-year-old netted one of the club’s most important strikes of the season against Arsenal back in December, but has only been able to score one league goal since.
Like Rogers, he was handed another start against the Cherries, but he was unable to make full advantage of the opportunity handed his way by Emery.
He featured for a total of 66 minutes before being replaced, with the winger even picking up a yellow card for his troubles after just 35 minutes of the encounter.
| Emi Buendia – stats against Bournemouth | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | Tally |
| Minutes played | 66 |
| Touches | 41 |
| Pass accuracy | 79% |
| Dribbles completed | 0 |
| Possession lost | 12x |
| Fouls committed | 1 |
| Duels lost | 75% |
| Chances created | 1 |
However, with the ball, he was just as lacklustre, subsequently giving possession away on 12 separate occasions – one of the most within the Villa ranks.
He also only managed to complete 79% of the passes he attempted, whilst failing to complete any of his attempted dribbles – showcasing his lack of quality with the ball at his feet.
Buendia’s struggles were compounded by his tally of just one chance created, whilst losing 75% of the duels he entered – subsequently being dominated by the opposition at the Vitality.
After such a showing, Emery will no doubt be thinking of alternative ways to replace the Argentine to help strengthen their chances of securing Champions League football.
Buendia has been an impressive option for the side in various games, but his showing against Bournemouth yesterday is just another example of why he’s not at the level needed for success.
Musa
