Aston Villa’s style of play under Unai Emery, led by Emi Martinez, helps beat fatigue by resting in possession

Much was made of Aston Villa’s 4-0 defeat to Tottenham last month after playing Ajax in Amsterdam just days earlier but of the six Premier League games that Emery’s side have played after away fixtures in Europe this season, they have now won the other five.

Part of the explanation offered for this impressive record is the knowhow of the four-time Europa League winning coach. His experience of the rhythms of continental competition has undoubtedly brought calm and a can-do attitude to this group.

However, listening to Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola after watching Villa come from behind to win 3-1 at Villa Park on Sunday, extending their advantage over Spurs to six points, he had a more interesting and detailed explanation for how Emery is able to do it.

“I knew that the physical thing was not going to be key,” said Iraola.

“It is very difficult to open the game against Villa because they keep the game very well under control with the keeper, with Pau [Torres], with [Ezri] Konsa. They have a very good structure. They don’t lose it, they have confidence in their build-up.”

He added: “You could see against Lille, even with extra-time, there was nobody with cramp, nobody asking for changes. If you see the game [between Man] City and Real Madrid, there were seven or eight players asking to be changed. Villa games, normally, they keep it more controlled. And they do it very well.”

The significance of a side’s style of play on their ability to manage a hectic schedule can be overlooked but it is entirely logical. There are football matches and there are football matches. It is noticeable that Villa are often able to rest while in possession.

Iraola referenced goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and, as well as his knack for winding up opponents, he is an expert at this. Villa supporters have learned to be patient when he is in possession because he will wait and wait to be pressed before releasing the ball.

The statistics show that Martinez has more time on the ball per possession than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League season. That passes the eye test. What is fascinating is that his total time in possession is more than anyone – outfield players included.

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