Aston Villa and Juventus played out a goalless stalemate in matchday five of the Champions League stage on Wednesday night.
The game struggled to get going until after half-time, and although Morgan Rogers controversially had a late goal ruled out for a soft foul on Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, neither team deserved to win all three points
How the match unfolded
Villa Park braced itself for the arrival of another European giant on Wednesday night when two-time European champions Juventus came to town.
The hosts entered the competition without a win in six games in all competitions after being beaten by Club Brugge last time out, and they were tentative at home against a depleted Juve side who suffocated the home crowd through shrewd and controlled construction work. – rise phase
The Bianconeri’s control tamed a typically spirited atmosphere under the lights, and their ability to bounce back in transition ensured Villa had little joy in the opening period. The hosts struggled to progress and penetrate centrally, with Juve condensing the pitch and diligently tracking Ollie Watkins’ runs.
Watkins pulled off Di Gregorio’s first save in the 37th minute with a snap inside the box, while Lucas Digne clipped the crossbar with a free-kick on the stroke of half-time. Meanwhile, Juve’s control failed to generate sustained pressure at the other end of the pitch and were limited to poor quality efforts from distance.
Low-quality offensive play pervaded the second half, although there was a sense of the game opening up. Villa continued to fight for momentum but Juve remained resolute in a bid to stave off their hosts. Francisco Conceicao did wonders on the right on occasions, and it was the winger who came closest to breaking the deadlock midway through the second half. However, his header from close range was excellently saved by Emiliano Martínez.
Di Gregorio was called into action at the other end, with McGinn the man denied after latching on to Leon Bailey’s tempting cut-back (although the keeper was helped by the boot of Manuel Locatelli) . Going into the final 20 minutes, it was anyone’s game.
Inspiration failed to reach both benches, however, and the tie looked destined for a stalemate. However, Villa created a moment from a hopeful free-kick in stoppage time. Di Gregorio looked set to claim the cross with ease, but held back the catch and allowed Morgan Rogers to tap home. However, the error was deemed to have been forced by Diego Carlos’ push and the goal was ruled out.
Check out the player ratings for Aston Villa vs Juventus here.
Villa may have entered the fray without a win in all competitions as they beat Bologna on matchday three of the competition, but there was a feeling that a point would not have been a bad result for the hosts.
Wednesday’s stalemate means Emery’s side sit just outside the top eight in ninth, but two tricky away games against RB Leipzig and top-flight Monaco before they welcome at Celtic at Villa Park on the last day.
This is the first time Villa have endured seven games without a win under their current manager and a trip to Chelsea is next in the Premier League.
As for Juventus, they are proving to be a very tough nut to crack, losing just once all season. Motta’s side are unbeaten in Serie A this season and have extended their current unbeaten run to seven games. Their tactical performance was impressive at Villa Park, and they should not fear a stumbling Manchester City when they face Turin next month. Still, there is work to be done to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Rogers has been a shining light for Villa this season, with Emery happy to use the young English playmaker in a number of roles.
Much of his good work has come from a central position, working in front of Watkins. Here, he can take possession between the lines and drive at his opponents while boasting a goal threat from the edge of the penalty area.
His role on Wednesday night didn’t exactly prevent him from doing the above as such, but it certainly limited him. Emery switched Rogers and McGinn, using the latter centrally, perhaps because of his ability to screen the Juve midfielder and jump to press his left centre-back. With Digne reaching the overlap, Rogers could drift infield, but was forced into unwanted defensive situations. Conceicao beat him early in the second half to create a promising crossing moment from the byline.
Villa blew possession for the most part in this one, with the hosts perhaps lacking resistance to the press and Rogers’ runs of the ball in a central position, which were only sporadic.
Motta may not have been too fond of Dusan Vlahovic’s comments during the international break, with the Serbian striker suggesting it is “easier” to play for the national team.
Still, Vlahovic has enjoyed a productive start to the season, scoring six goals in 12 Serie A games and three times in four Champions League outings. His presence was sorely missed Wednesday night.
Motta opted for Timothy Weah to star for Juve at Villa Park, and while the USMNT international certainly has value, he struggled to make an impact. Juve’s main threat came through Kenan Yildiz’s weaving magic down the right and Conceicao’s bursts on the opposite flank. In the middle, Juve lacked a focal point with Weah and Teun Koopmeiners looking uncomfortable in their respective roles.
Vlahovic would certainly have provided the focal point that Juve were missing, allowing the visitors to make better use of their impressive build-up play. His substitute was limited to a simple shot from distance and was rarely picked out from behind.
