Bournemouth v Aston Villa: the key points
It wasn't pretty. it wasn't even enjoyable at times. But Aston Villa came away with their third opening day win in a row. Here's what we can take from the game.
Rudy Gestede can fill the Benteke-shaped hole
in Villa’s attack. The fans
chanted his name like a cult hero even before he made an impression on the
pitch. His style is reminiscent of
another cult favourite, John Carew. He battered through four defenders to power
a forceful bullet header into the net. Not just a battering ram, his hold up
play was excellent and he was committed in defence with some great tackles.
Idrissa Gueye played the kind of assured game that made Delph’s antics a distant
memory. To say he is an ideal replacement for Fabian Delph sells him short as
he possesses more defensive steel than Delph ever did and more discipline than the Man City turncoat. His controlled passing
and positional sense gave Villa a steady foundation to build upon.
Jordan
Amavi is the best Villa left back since Alan Wright showing an abundance of
pace, pinpoint crossing and great awareness of team mates. His willingness to surge forward and
his great crossing ability creates an excitement not provided by Kieran Richardson
and Sissoko before that. One of the new recruits who settled quickly and looked
composed.
Ray Wilkins’ influence showed in Villa’s first half performance. And
not in a good way. The Crabs’
former playing style was written all over the first half display, as the ball was
passed from side to side, front to back, with little penetration or purpose. One
lone shot by Scott Sinclair in the half told a story of caution. It took a half
time team talk by Sherwood to change the approach of the team.
The new signings will need time to settle. Veretout and Ayew in particular looked like they will need time to get
match fitness and acclimatise to their Premier League surroundings. Veretout
was a shadow of the inventive, surging displays that he showed for Nantes. Ayew
lacked flair and didn’t get into the dangerous positions. Tim Sherwood recognised this even
before this match and double training sessions are the order of the day.
Villa can win ugly. This was the kind of smash and grab from a
boisterous Bournemouth that Villa were just not capable of last season. Under Lambert, the order of the day was
to play ugly, lose uglier. The game had the feel of a cup match and Bournmouth had
the superior first half. Sherwood’s
decision to send on Gestede with a half hour remaining proved to be a crucial
tactical masterstroke.
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