Aston Villa are still riding high in the Premier League, but a weakness has emerged in recent weeks.
Unai Emery’s side have conceded 42 goals this season, 13 of which have come from set-piece situations. Only Luton Town, Burnley, and Nottingham Forest have worse defensive records from dead-ball scenarios (statistics from the Premier League’s website).
Sheffield United, who sit routed in the relegation zone, have conceded one fewer. It’s clear that Aston Villa are defending free-kicks and corners like a team threatened by relegation, not pushing for the top four.
It’s an issue Emery must work on. West Ham United, for example, caused the Villans no end of issues at the London Stadium on Sunday.
Interestingly, a player almost forgotten at Villa Park would undoubtedly help their current issues.
Who is Aston Villa’s most aerially dominated player?
Firstly, it’s important to note that the likelihood of Kortney Hause making an indent in Emery’s starting XI is extremely low, but the 28-year-old’s aerial ability deserves attention.
Per some good work by Aston Villa Statto, Hause has had the fourth most successful aerial duels since Aston Villa returned to the Premier League, behind Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, and Ollie Watkins. That’s pretty impressive, considering the £25,000-a-week man hasn’t kicked a ball since 2022.
Furthermore, since the club’s return to the top flight, no player has completed more successful aerial duels in a single game than the former Watford loanee.
A player with the 28-year-old’s aerial ability would be like gold dust for Emery as he attempts to solve his set-piece problem.
Who can solve Aston Villa’s set-piece issue?
Looking at Aston Villa’s first-choice defensive options, none come close to Hause’s dominance in the air.
Per Sofascore, Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres average under one aerial duel per game, with 70% and 50% success rates, respectively. It’s a similar story for Diego Carlos, who only wins 46% of his skirmishes in the air. Clement Lenglet’s figures are not too dissimilar.
Realistically, the Villa boss will hope Tyrone Mings’ return helps his side overcome its current weaknesses. The 31-year-old’s ability in the air could reinstall much-needed dominance and leadership.
