'Emery's persistent defensive tinkering has increasingly become a liability'
For the second consecutive season, Aston Villa have found themselves in a semi-final they were favourites to win - only to limp out in embarrassing fashion.Last year it was the Europa Conference League, where Villa were humbled 6-2 on aggregate by Olympiakos in a defensively shambolic two-legged performance.At the heart of the first-leg 4-2 collapse at Villa Park was the surprise inclusion of Clément Lenglet, recalled from the fringes instead of Pau Torres, and central to much of what went wrong on the night.Fast forward to the weekend's 3-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat against Crystal Palace at Wembley. Despite seemingly having found a defensive formula that helped dismantle Newcastle United 4-1 only days earlier, Unai Emery opted to leave out both Tyrone Mings and Ian Maatsen. This time, it was Pau Torres' turn to be the fall guy at the back.While questions have lingered over the mentality of some Villa players in high-pressure games - with performances often shrinking under the spotlight - Emery's persistent defensive tinkering has increasingly become a liability.Until it is addressed, it's hard to see this Villa team reaching the heights their attacking potential promises.The numbers back it up: Villa have made more than twice as many defensive errors leading to opponent shots compared to last season. It has compromised their goal difference - leaving them effectively an extra point adrift in the race for a top-five finish and Champions League football.As Sir Alex Ferguson famously said, "Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles." It's a truth that spans across all team sports - and one that Emery must urgently heed.Villa's evolution under Emery has been transformative. But to truly fulfil their ambitions, they must find defensive consistency. Otherwise, as the latest semi-final heartbreak proved once again, this exciting team will remain fatally vulnerable at the moments when it matters most.Find more from David Michael at My Old Man Said, external
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