Aston Villa vs Southampton: A tactical and statistical review of Saints' win

Aston Villa vs Southampton: A tactical and statistical review of Saints’ win

By Marc Walker | Nov 1, 2020

Southampton's English midfielder James Ward-Prowse (L) celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Southampton at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on November 1, 2020. (Photo by Gareth Copley / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GARETH COPLEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Southampton’s English defender Kyle Walker-Peters (R) blocks a shot from Aston Villa’s English midfielder Jack Grealish (Photo by GARETH COPLEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Saints allow Grealish to give Villa a chance

Most good things that Aston Villa do come through Jack Grealish, who continues to prove a threat to any side in the Premier League.

Whilst the his influence was limited by a controlling visiting side at Villa Park early on, he was allowed to grow into the game and almost got Villa an unlikely point.

In the first-half, he completed just 10 passes in the final third of the pitch and had four touches in the Saints penalty area.

After half-time however, he was able to make 19 passes in the final third and had 13 touches inside the Saints box – some of which lead to him claiming two assists and a goal.

Part of this was due to Saints dropping off to protect their lead. The first period had seen them have 55% of the ball, whilst that dropped to 34% after the break.

Having seen out wins well against Burnley, West Brom and Everton and nullifying their threats well, this latest game will be a lesson for Ralph Hasenhuttl and his players.