There is a lot to feel optimistic about concerning Aston Villa. Even without knowing what may end upcoming through PSR, this will be a highly competitive side, particularly in the English Premier League. The aspect that will need to improve in order for Villa to achieve its further goals.
Being under duress and not being able to even manage a foothold in possession during the big matches is something that cannot be continued. It can be a lot to ask. Particularly against good sides, Villa will need to be able to gain more of an advantage in such matches. The first leg against PSG, for example, at the Parc des Princes, would be one instance in which Unai Emery's men were constantly playing in their own half.
Part of that will have to do with what Emery viewed as the best route to progress in Champions League. When seeing how that Ligue 1 side ended up faring in that competition, it is absolutely reasonable enough that this was the approach that the Spaniard decided to go with for the particular fixture in question.
This is not to go against what Emery decided at the time. What it should show is what needs to be seen with less frequency. Especially against some of the better teams, Villa will need to be able to play more openly and look to play less defensively or with the feeling of needing to focus disproportionately on not conceding.
Vital aspect for Aston Villa to look for
Holding on for a result can work, and the tactic nearly allowed Villa to advance in Champions League past PSG. In order to truly be among the sides that the club wants to knowingly be a part of, it is an aspect that will need to change.
At the end of the day, a good team is able to go out and compete and take the action to their opponent regardless of where or against whom.
That is the ultimate aim of Villa.