One Aston Villa player was accused of lacking discipline in the final day defeat to Crystal Palace.
Unai Emery‘s side were really poor as they were hammered 5-0 by a Palace side reborn under Oliver Glasner.
In truth, Aston Villa‘s work was done going into the final fixture and they can perhaps be forgiven for not being at their best in a week in which they have celebrated Champions League qualification.
However, slightly less forgivable is one player’s lack of discipline despite little riding on the game which would have left Emery unhappy with what he was seeing.
Douglas Luiz lacked discipline in Crystal Palace defeat
Douglas Luiz has been a huge part of a memorable season for Villa, getting to the Champions League as well as a run to the Europa Conference League semi-final.
With Boubacar’s Kamara’s season-ending injury in February, Luiz has had to play almost every minute but his form has dropped recently as he has looked fatigued.
With little on the line, Luiz took it upon himself to provide some Brazilian flair at Selhurst Park but it came at the detriment to his side who ended up second best in midfield.
The Athletic’s Aston Villa reporter Jacob Tanswell posted on ‘X’ that the Villa midfield had gone “walkabouts” in the lead up to Jean Philipe Mateta’s second goal, before adding: “Safe to say Douglas Luiz isn’t exactly playing the disciplined role next to Calum Chambers, weirdly jumping out of shape.”
That came just minutes after Tanswell had highlighted the casual nature of Luiz’ display, which bordered on arrogance at times as the journalist observed: “Douglas Luiz’s constant ball rolls and stepovers are like he’s down goals on a Monday night joining in a seven-a-side.”
Luiz will not get much needed summer rest
Luiz did not cover himself in glory in the Palace defeat but once the dust has settled he can reflect on what has been a very positive campaign on a personal level as well as for Villa collectively.
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His performances have seen him included in Brazil’s Copa America squad this summer, meaning he is unlikely to have much time to rest and recuperate over the summer with his nation expected to go deep into the tournament.
A number of Villa players will have the same issue given the European Championships also begin next month.
The squad will need additions this summer, as this season’s domestic and European seasons have tested the small group to its limits.
Perhaps Luiz’ poor final performance of the season can be attributed to a combination of fatigue and the stresses of Champions League qualification ending earlier in the week and he can be forgiven for his casual display.
