United get WAT for as Villa back on the ball under Unai
OLLIE Watkins has revealed the secret to Unai Emery’s Villa masterclass which utterly bemused Manchester United.
Watkins had a hand in two of the three goals against the ragged Red Devils as he pulled Victor Lindelof out of position for Leon Bailey’s opener before doing exactly the same again and teeing up Jacob Ramsey to crash home to put the game out of sight.
Villa started Sunday’s game in a new-look 4-4-2 system with an emphasis on keeping possession. Explaining what Emery had asked of the players, Watkins outlined a key difference between the new head coach’s methods and those of former boss Steven Gerrard.
“It was all about on the ball, staying calm, especially defenders,’’ he said. “Before, there were a lot of long balls to me and Ingsy and we were battling with the defenders. We used a lot of energy through battling.
“Now, when the ball comes into us, because defenders are taking time on the ball and we’re making more passes, it’s easier for us because we’ve got more time.
“It was more just to take time on the ball, suck them in, then it gives others time on the ball. It was 4-4-2 and we weren’t overloaded with information.”
Emery told the players what his starting XI would be just two-and-ahalf hours before kick-off, which came as a surprise to the squad.
“No-one had a clue who was playing,” said Watkins. “It was a guessing game but everyone bought into it and we were all involved.
“We found out about the team in our team meeting, which was at about 11.30am. Some people leave it but, normally, previous managers have done it the day before, or let you know in some way.
“He kept us guessing but no matter what team he put out, it was going to be the same result at the end of the day. Everyone worked hard and was willing to work hard and bought into the game plan.”
Watkins, who will hope to start against United in tonight’s Carabao Cup tie (Thursday), says it is now about backing up Sunday’s victory with another strong showing in front of 7,500 away fans at Old Trafford.
He added: “I feel like when we start well and get that first goal at Villa Park it is very hard for teams to come back. With the atmosphere it is tough to break us down, especially when we are all working hard collectively.
“Against the big teams, I don’t know why, we seem to put in a good performance.
“We need to do that every week. As a team we got three points on Sunday
but we did not just win, we won with style, and it is not one of those where we ground it out. We scored good goals and created chances, and defended the box well. It was a really good performance.”
Emery claims he is better prepared for his new Premier League challenge after a tough experience with Arsenal.
The 51-year-old succeeded Arsene Wenger in 2018 but only lasted 18 months after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
However, he did lead the Gunners
to a European final and finished the 2017/18 season with 70 points.
“I am better prepared to face a new challenge in the Premier,” said Emery. “I already have a year and four months of experience in this league.
“I think my first year at Arsenal was nice. It was broken by some things I have identified that I am now going to try to avoid. I have always had an internal goal of having a new opportunity and coming back better prepared. It’s more of a challenge than a rematch.”