This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Aston Villa weren’t able to achieve the unthinkable over the weekend as they were defeated by reigning Premier League champions Manchester City 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Still, figures show that throughout the season so far, they are more than holding their own in one key facet.
Before that match, Dean Smith’s men had recorded back-to-back victories for the first time this campaign, now they currently occupy 15th position with a three-point cushion to the relegation zone.
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This week sees them contend a Carabao Cup tie with local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers with a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs before the small matter of hosting the runaway league leaders Liverpool at Villa Park on Saturday.
But despite the one positive, another factor is letting them down big time, which they’ll need to improve on quickly.
On the Chalkboard
Per Understat, Villa rank fifth in the league for xG (expected goals) after ten top-flight matches.
This means their attack is performing to a higher level than third-placed Leicester City, Arsenal, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Tottenham Hotspur, who are all ahead of them in the standings.
It is very much the usual suspects ahead of them in Liverpool and City while Chelsea and Manchester United also fill out the top four for xG, meaning Smith’s side are held in some top company.
However, in contrast, the west Midlanders are amongst the relegation fodder for xGA (expected goals against), which only goes to show where their problems currently lie.
Understat also show that Villa should have conceded nearly another two goals on top of their 16 for the season, ranking them third-worst in the division – only 19th-placed Norwich City and West Ham should have let in more this season.
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The B6 club are closely followed by basement boys Watford and Southampton, who let in nine goals on Friday night at home to Leicester.
Villa’s attacking fortunes have certainly turned a corner since captain Jack Grealish was played further forward, but the contributions of Wesley and John McGinn account for nearly half their goals with seven between them, per WhoScored.
It’s clear to see that there’s some work to be done defensively if Smith’s men want to remain in the Premier League.