Aston Villa picked up a potentially crucial point after holding off Chelsea as they launched a comeback in our 2-2 draw on Saturday night.
Marc Cucurella’s own goal gave us an early lead, while Morgan Rogers doubled that advantage with a fine finish as we went into the half-time break in a strong position.
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However, we were unable to hold out and secure all three points, with the visitors levelling it up as Villa struggled throughout the second half, while they also had a late goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
While Villa’s focus will now switch to Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League in midweek, time will tell if this proves to be a pivotal point gained in the race for a top-four finish, or if it was two vital points dropped, which come back to haunt us at the end of the season.
Emery provides perspective amid disappointment
Naturally, after giving up such a strong lead, there was disappointment and frustration at the full-time whistle, as it could be a significant blow to our hopes of finishing in the top four.
However, Emery has been brilliant all year in managing expectations and keeping a balanced view on our season, as he focused on the fact that we’ve now secured a top-five finish in the Premier League and have qualified for the Europa League at the very least.
That represents sustained progression and improvement off the back of last season, and while of course we hope to achieve more before the campaign is over, those are two very important boxes ticked, and hopefully we have a big finish left in us still.
Villa must learn from double home setbacks
That said, there are still lessons to be learned from these experiences, and the Villa boss will undoubtedly be drilling that into his players when they go back and assess this game during the week.
Similarly to our 3-3 draw at home with Brentford earlier this month, Villa surrendered a commanding position and dropped points after looking all at sea in the second half.
The key principle and message all season has been about control, but we were simply nowhere near good enough in possession on Saturday, as we looked panicked and sloppy and well below our usual excellent standards.
Further, we became far too passive and edgy in both phases of the game and had no answer to match an impressive Chelsea performance either from an intensity or quality perspective. We have to deal with these situations better and respond more positively when under the cosh.
Rogers continues to shine
That’s now three goals and an assist in 10 Premier League games since he joined us, as the 21-year-old continues to cement his place in the side and impress Emery.
He produced a brilliant finish to double our lead in the first half, but it’s his ongoing ability to adapt and be a key cog in our system and style of play that stands out.
Villa have needed him to step up and produce in the absence of other key players in recent weeks, and hopefully he’s able to sustain the top form that he’s displaying currently through to the end of the campaign.
Injury concerns continue to mount up
Both Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Martinez were forced off in this one, adding to the growing injury list that Emery is having to contend with. Again though, the Villa boss made no excuses and simply pointed to the need for others to step up in their absence.
Nevertheless, losing so many key players is going to have a negative impact, and given the nature of the issues with Tielemans seemingly sustaining a groin injury while Martinez was dealing with a hamstring problem, it’s hoped that we haven’t lost them for a significant period.
Villa are now in the biggest month of our season given what’s on the line, and it would be such a boost if we didn’t have to continue to deal with vital setbacks through injury.
Luiz needs to find second wind
Douglas Luiz has been brilliant this season with 10 goals and 10 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, while he has been an influential figure in the side in terms of how Emery wants us to play.
However, his level has arguably dipped more recently and given how important he is as our midfield orchestrator, we need a second wind from the Brazilian international to make us really tick again.
That’s not to starting putting blame on him for anything, but he has set a high standard for himself and Emery arguably demands the most from him compared to any other player given his role in the side. Particularly if Tielemans is now out, it’s on Luiz to take a leadership role and get back to his very best when needed most.
The absence of Boubacar Kamara is huge for the team but Luiz in particular as we lose that all-important midfield balance and his role slightly changes. Hopefully he can adapt and shine in our remaining games.
