As Aston Villa gears up for their Premier League opener against West Ham United, the team faces several pressing challenges that could impact their performance. The club ended their pre-season with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund, raising concerns about their readiness for the competitive season ahead.
Pressure mounts on Ollie Watkins to deliver
A significant issue confronting Aston Villa is the lack of pre-season playing time for their key strikers. Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, expected to be pivotal in the attack, did not participate in any of the warm-up matches. This left Cameron Archer as the sole forward to gain match fitness, putting immense pressure on Watkins to lead the line against West Ham. His proven goal-scoring ability is undeniable, but the absence of pre-season action might affect his sharpness and readiness for the rigours of Premier League football.
Defensive frailties exposed
Defensive vulnerabilities have also been a cause for concern, as individual mistakes during pre-season matches led to goals conceded. Manager Unai Emery faces the urgent task of addressing these lapses to ensure the team can compete effectively in both domestic and European competitions. The club has expressed interest in strengthening their defence with potential signings like Joe Gomez and Trevoh Chalobah.
Despite the need for reinforcements, Villa already boasts a talented defensive lineup, including Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa. Young defender Lamare Bogarde could also provide valuable depth when needed, showcasing the potential within the squad.
Mixed pre-season results raise questions
Aston Villa's pre-season results have been a mixed bag, with three wins and three losses in their friendly matches. While pre-season outcomes don't always reflect a team's true capabilities, the inconsistency displayed by Villa has raised questions about their preparedness for the upcoming challenges.
As they prepare to face West Ham, the lack of pre-season minutes for key players and the evident defensive frailties remain significant concerns for Emery and his coaching staff.
Addressing concerns and building momentum
With the Premier League season fast approaching, Aston Villa must work diligently to address the issues highlighted during their pre-season campaign. Unai Emery's tactical expertise and ability to make strategic adjustments will be crucial in ensuring that Aston Villa starts the season on a strong note.
The potential addition of new defensive players could provide a much-needed boost to the team's solidity at the back. Moreover, getting Ollie Watkins back to full fitness and match sharpness will be essential in unlocking Villa's attacking potential. The team will rely heavily on their goal-scoring prowess to secure positive results in the highly competitive Premier League.