The Holte Roar · https://theholteroar.counterpress.media/news/unai-emery-the-strangest-team-sheet-of-his-season-was-rehearsed-on-video-168296
Unai Emery: The strangest team sheet of his season was rehearsed on video
21.10.26, 23:27 Updated 22.10.26, 14:58 5 Minute Read
The story in brief
- Emery said the decision to play João Gomes at right-back was worked on in training and on video beforehand.
- He wanted to keep Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara out of the match, having both played heavy minutes.
- He said "wow" about two different players, and admitted he cannot explain why Ross Barkley's career stalled after Chelsea.
A team sheet that looked improvised had been practised the day before.
Villa's starting XI baffling against Viking was initially baffling. Unai Emery named no recognised full-back. Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres and Victor Lindelöf lined up across the back, and João Gomes, a central midfielder, took the right-back berth. Emery spent much of the first half talking to him about his positioning.
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SJA and AIPS member. Aston Villa In-Ground correspondent for Opta. Football writer and commentator. If you are coming to Villa Park, you will always find me on seat E12 in the press box.