Aston Villa were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City in the League Cup on Sunday at Wembley. One Dean Smith change may have cost them their chance of victory.
On the chalkboard
Mbwana Samatta may have pulled Villa back into the game towards the end of the first half, but the reality is the Midlands outfit failed to cause the Citizens any real problems.
They managed just 30% possession and a paltry three shots on target. Had City been more clinical, the scoreline would have read a lot worse.
Smith made four changes to the side that succumbed to Southampton in the previous match, but it was his change of position to his star man Jack Grealish that may have damaged his side’s hopes of glory.
Unnecessary
Grealish has undoubtedly been his side’s star player this campaign. The Villa captain has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in all competitions – he tops the charts amongst his teammates in both areas.
He has spent most of the campaign on the left wing – according to WhoScored, he has appeared there 14 times so far this term – yet in the final, Smith gambled and decided to play him in the central attacking midfield role – somewhere he has played just twice this season.
The 24-year-old disappointed on the big stage. He picked up a SofaScore rating of 6.5, which was the worst of his team’s four attackers, and he was unable to exert the influence he usually does on Villa’s forward play. He managed one key pass and one successful dribble, whilst he failed to even register a shot at goal – on the left in the Premier League, he has averaged 3.4, 2.4 and three per match respectively.
Smith’s unnecessary decision to play Grealish more centrally backfired. Not only did it affect the player himself, but it also had a negative impact on the team as a whole – they have averaged 12.6 shots per league match this term, but only mustered up five here. Of course, Pep Guardiola’s side are one of the best teams in the top flight, but they are far from immune to slip-ups – they have already lost six league matches this season.
As Villa look to stay in the division, Smith must not try to be clever and take gambles where they are not needed. Grealish has proven his ability on the left, and his performances are vital to any hopes the Villa Park side have of playing Premier League football again next season – he needs to be played where he is most comfortable.
Elsewhere, this man embodies Villa’s grit against City.