It’s not the start that Aston Villa wanted, but their return to the Premier League has seen them lose back-to-back games – the latest their 2-1 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.
It was a nightmare start for Dean Smith’s men because inside the first 15 minutes, they conceded two goals, including a penalty.
Whilst Villa have yet to put points on the board, it is still very early on in the season, but sooner rather than later that win needs to be put into the so-far empty bag.
Nonetheless, here are three things we learnt from Villa’s defeat to the Cherries.
Wesley needs a goal – The big Brazilian was Aston Villa’s record signing in a summer that saw 12 players arrive at the club. He is yet to get off the mark, and it is fair to say, he needs a goal and Villa need him to score a goal. At times, he showcases his hold up play and physicality. But then there are other occasions where his off the ball movement is poor and his technique lets him down.
At this moment in time, there won’t be a concern in regards to him waiting to get off the mark, but as the games tick by, he needs to find that goal because it’ll help boost his confidence by a serious amount.
Mistakes need to be cut out – This has no doubt been Villa’s biggest problem. Individual mistakes. Against Tottenham, and now two against Bournemouth have resulted in Smith’s side being well and truly punished. The players need to learn from it, else they will drown themselves.
To concede a penalty inside the first minute was pretty reckless and out of character, especially from a player of Tom Heaton’s experience. If Villa can learn from these mistakes then their general play will prove its worth.
Engles and Mings look quality – Villa have conceded five goals in their opening two matches, and it is fair to say that both centre-backs, Bjorn Engels and Tyrone Mings have not been deserving of conceding such goals. Villa supporters already knew what Mings has in his locker, but summer signing Engles was an unknown factor before he arrived at the club.
During these first two games, and against the Cherries, he was outstanding. His technical ability, calmness and ability to read the game stands out. If he continues this form then it’ll bode well for his own game and Villa’s chances of putting points on the board.
