Aston Villa put on yet another late show to boost their Champions League hopes by beating Luton Town 3-2 on Saturday at Kenilworth Road.
Let’s be honest, things were pretty easy in the first half when Ollie Watkins’ double fired the team into a 2-0 lead, but that’s when the home team fought back to make it 2-2.
But Unai Emery then stepped up and worked his magic by making four substitutions, including bringing on left-back Lucas Digne and winger Moussa Diaby – both played a part in the winning goal.
Watching on in the commentary box, Mark Warburton was left amazed by the tactics deployed by the Aston Villa manager, as he told BBC Sport.
The former QPR, Brentford and Rangers coach added ‘Unai Emery deserves massive credit for the tactics he is deploying here’ and how he is ‘so impressed’ by it all.
The control the team showed in the first half is a reason why they went 2-0 ahead and provided themselves with that cushion.
Yes, Luton came fighting back, but it was the manager’s brilliant tactical switch again that proved to work and guide the team to three points.
Aston Villa beat Luton Town
“I am so impressed tactically with Aston Villa,” said Warburton.
“They tuck in and help the defence and then when they go forward they have two very willing runners at full-back. Matty Cash will run all day.
“Unai Emery deserves massive credit for the tactics he is deploying here. They are causing so many problems with the ball. First Ramsey, then Rogers, and then Watkins.
Rob Edwards needs to change something here at the break.”
Unai Emery has brought a calmness
When Luton levelled the scores, Emery’s first reaction was to calm his players down and ensure they concentrated on themselves.
They did just that because, whilst silly fouls were given away and set-pieces were again proving to be our kryptonite, the midfield got on the ball and relaxed the situation.
Villa weren’t forcing the play or making any unnecessary passes, and instead, looking for that one moment.
And boy did we find it with a brilliant cross to the far post from Moussa Diaby for Lucas Digne to head home a very crucial winner.
