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Before challenging PSG in the Champions League, Aston Villa won largely against Southampton (3-0) and wins in confidence before the return match.
In the shadow of the return shock that awaits him against PSG next Tuesday, Aston Villa has found colors. Three days after the 3-1 defeat conceded at the Parc des Princes, the men of Unai Emery picked up against Southampton, a red lantern already sentenced to relegation. A modest opponent, of course, but a wide victory (3-0) who is timely to relaunch a dynamic and settle in fifth place in the Premier League, the one that opens the doors of the next Champions League.
A first half to forget
However, everything was not easy in this meeting. During the first act, Villa gave the impression of playing idle. The rhythm, Monocorde, betrayed a team probably concerned about their European meeting to come. Despite some interesting situations, no real frank opportunity to report, and a tempo that is too slow to disarray a grouped defense. The Villans supporters, many in St-Mary, were waiting for a click.
John McGinn, author of Aston Villa's third goal against Southampton.
Watkins releases Villa, Malen drives the nail
He came after the break, on the return from the locker room. More incisive, the villans settled in the opposing camp. Rashford missed a great opportunity in the 52nd minute, then Asensio saw his penalty pushed by Ramsdale in the 59th. But the delivery was quick. In the 63rd, Ollie Watkins, who came into play shortly before, signed a jewel: a crystal light under the bar, on a millimeter transversal of Youri Tielemans. Enough to release the spirits.
Six minutes later, Donyell Malen, well served by Morgan Rodgers, concluded a quick action for a cross shot for 2-0. Aston Villa was finally running. And in stoppage, John McGinn sealed the evening by scoring the third goal after a second missed penalty… by Asensio. Two failures from the penalty spot, but no consequences.
Head on Villa Park, the freed spirit
This victory does not erase the gap to go up on Tuesday, but it puts fuel into the engine. PSG, rested, remains favorite. But villa, unpredictable and released, may not have said its last word.
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