The end of the year 2023 is closing in. And the only
thing I can remember about this year is that Arsenal bottled the chance to win
the 2022/2023 season, United having a shitty time so far, more players joining the
Saudi league... And I guess that's about it. Oh and Chelsea being worse than
us.
So how do I sum up the month of December?
Well, usually I would put a quirky intro (like this
one), or skip it altogether and go straight for the reports. However, this time
it's going to be different, because one club decided to steal the spotlight
from the others and shock everyone. They're still doing bloody amazing and are
just 3 points away from being 1st in the league. I am of course talking about
ASTON VILLA, who have been on fire so far.
The report will just be me praising the team's
efforts and talking about specific players of the squad that have made an
impact in their matches.
As a wise man once said: "Us? In the title
race? No. This... This can't be!"
BACK TO THE TRADITIONAL BASICS
If someone forgets the basics of something, then
they're doomed to fail. If you don't honour the tradition
of your ancestors, you'll be forgotten.
Villa took notes from the other teams from England
and outside and decided that the contemporary formation of 4-2-3-1 is full of
horse ass and went back to the glorious and almighty 4-4-2. 4 Defenders, 4
Midfielders, 2 Attackers, and of course. 1 Argentinian shittalker Goalkeeper.
Throughout the month, they favoured this formation
for 70% of the games, with the only alteration made during the games against
Manchester City, Arsenal and Sheffield United, where they went for the 4-4-1-1
style. An Attacker supported by a Centre Forward. The other two games used a
different formation: 3-5-2 against Brentford and 4-2-3-1 against Manchester
United
The standard 4-4-2 allowed them to play a neutral
game with a balanced mix of attacking and defending. Not focused too much on
pressure after losing the ball, but not too lose either. Attacking from all
sides and supported by the defenders as well. This has allowed them to quickly
and efficiently put pressure on the opponents by doing absolutely nothing. Unai
Emery has so far proven that old-school is best school. No need to focus on
wingers, fast counter attacks or tap-ins. Just simple and beautiful football is
all you need. And for that, he has my respect.
That and him saying "Good Ebening" during
press conferences.
THE SQUAD
Goalkeeper:
Emi Martinez
As Argentina's #1 shittalker, and being the hero of
the 2022 World Cup, Emi is doing a fantastic job guarding Villa's goal. While
not on the same level as other goalies that may end up keeping a clean sheet,
he's still doing a fantastic job with protecting the net. We should not forget
his taunts as well. Dude might as well be playing SF3 3rd Strike at this point.
And they're very effective and annoying the opposition.
Defenders:
Santos Silva, Konsa, Digne and Torres were the most present defenders for
December, with Cash and Lenglet supporting them at the very end of the month.
Not the strongest defending out there, but it does the job. Easily beatable,
but quick to get back on their feet and put on the pressure should the
opposition attack. Clearance on point. Few defenders go out of their position to
support the forwards to increase pressure. All in all, perfectly fine
defending, with serious flaws. Sort of like Kevin Keegan's Newcastle in the
90s. FUCK!!! Should've mentioned this in the beginning
4-4-2, but with no regard for defending.
Midfielders: The
midfield was a bit all over the place with the players, so I really can't
mention them here. However, their impact on the team cannot be ignored, as they
pretty much did well to carry out the job that was tasked by the defenders when
an opportunity for a counter attack was available. Even on their own, they did
exceptionally well in both attack and defending (what was possible to defend
that is) and simply put, their coordination was top notch. Nothing but praise
for the midfield...
Attackers: Zaniolo,
Tielemans, Watkins and Diaby all posed as threats to the defence of the
opposition. Not with their shots mind you, but with their presence alone they
played mind games against the defenders and kept shooting when possible. The
only attacker that scored goals in December for Villa was Watkins. The rest
came from the midfield. Again, as I said in the beginning: 4-4-2, with flair
and disregard for defending, with slight touch of pressure and mind games.
HIGHLIGHTS
Aston Villa vs Manchester City
Aston Villa vs Sheffield United
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
TABLE
For a Man United fan, I sure suck at reporting about
my own club. But given how we are struggling with each match, you can
understand why I don't talk about my club that much. We were able to put a stop
to Villa's winning streak, but that's about it really.
Aston Villa are currently on fire with 12 wins, 3
draws, 4 losses and 39 points in total. If their Goal Difference improves, or
just keep on winning, they might reach 1st place. It's not too far off from
their current position.
They thrashed City and Arsenal. I REPEAT: THEY
THRASHED CITY AND ARSENAL! TWO TEAMS THAT ARE CONSIDERED THE BEST AT THE
MOMENT!
"The Villains" are reawakening from their
41 year old slumber. Will they challenge for the title? Is this just pure luck?
No one knows for sure, but it is exciting nonetheless.
To everyone, Merry Christmas, Happy New Years, Happy
Holidays... Jolly Good Times are upon us.
See you next year,
Ѓорѓи „GioGio“ Илиев
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