Arne Slot shares interesting verdict on Unai Emery’s style ahead of Liverpool vs Aston Villa 

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Unai Emery is recognised as one of the best tacticians on the planet and his achievements at Aston Villa have only heightened that claim.

From battling relegation to challenging at Europe’s top table in the space of two years, Aston Villa’s stock has skyrocketed under Unai Emery’s guidance.

During that time, the Villa supporters have been treated to a relentless attacking style, with the Spaniard deploying a high defensive line and a heavy focus on attacking central areas.

When at their best, Emery’s sides are capable of dismantling most opponents in the Premier League, as seen last season when they beat Manchester City and Arsenal.

However, the style also has its drawbacks, with teams like Ipswich Town catching Villa out with their high line.

Arne Slot comments on Unai Emery’s style

Aston Villa head to Anfield this weekend looking to put a dent in Liverpool’s title hopes following a four-match winless run in all competitions.

Villa most recently lost to Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday, as Tyrone Mings bizarre handball in the penalty box proved to be the difference in the match.

Following their slump in form, it isn’t the best time to be playing a Liverpool side that sit top of the Premier League having tasted just one defeat.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
4	ChelseaChelsea	10	5	3	2	20	12	8	18
5	ArsenalArsenal	10	5	3	2	17	11	6	18
6	Aston VillaAston Villa	10	5	3	2	17	15	2	18
7	TottenhamTottenham	10	5	1	4	22	11	11	16
8	BrightonBrighton	10	4	4	2	17	14	3	16

The Reds have looked relentless under new manager Arne Slot, who has taken to England’s top flight like a duck to water.

Ahead of the showdown at Anfield on Saturday night, Slot has commented on Emery’s style at Villa, claiming it isn’t ‘difficult’ to form a gameplan as his formation or way of playing rarely changes.

He compared that to Xabi Alonso’s tactics at Bayer Leverkusen, after thrashing the German giants 4-0 on Tuesday in the Champions League.

“If you ask me now, I say it is not that difficult [to form gameplan],” Slot said as per the Liverpool Echo.

“Emery has almost the same formation but sometimes depend on the players. His style of play, his idea is always the same. Saying this, that was the same with Xabi Alonso but never once he came up with Boniface as a left winger and no No.9. Maybe that’s a compliment?

“Most managers think we have a good team so they change gameplan. I don’t expect Unai to change a lot but in terms of personnel, he can change a bit like you said. Always 4-4-2 he’s played for many years now.”

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Liverpool vs Aston Villa head-to-head record

Teams rarely go to Anfield these days and claim all three points, and that is the case with Aston Villa, who haven’t beaten Liverpool away from home since September 2014.

Gabby Agbonlahor scored the winner on that day and Emery will be craving a similar moment of individual brilliance this weekend.

The Villans are winless against Saturday’s opponents in their last eight matches, with their last victory coming in that infamous 7-2 win during lockdown.

Emery will be desperate to end his side’s recent rotten run against Liverpool this weekend while getting Villa back on track after a difficult period.