Aston Villa vs Chelsea: Tactical Analysis & Match Report (2-1)

Villa’s Build-Up Play

From Villa’s perspective, they were willing to play short passes, as seen in their combination play, but also utilized long balls in two key ways: First, by playing the ball over the top for a runner in behind Chelsea’s defensive line. This could target a winger or even the striker. Secondly, they played passes into the forward line for them to control and then play through with short passes. This approach mirrored Brighton’s build-up play. Villa’s manager Unai Emery likes to mix up his tactics.

In the middle third, Villa maintained a 2-4-4 shape, with their front four narrow to vacate the flanks for their fullbacks to attack late. Chelsea defended in a 4-4-2 zonal, maintaining a compact mid-block, which could morph into a five or even six at the back when both Villa fullbacks advanced wide.

Chelsea’s defensive approach in the middle third had a few issues. Defending passively meant that the hosts could pin Chelsea back, compromising the team’s ability to counter-attack as players like Cole Palmer and Nkunku were stuck deep in the defensive third.

Though the Blues generally blocked central access into Villa’s forward line well, Villa’s wide combinations presented a clear avenue to break through. This meant that Chelsea’s forwards had to remain vigilant on their assignments, or Villa would pull them apart and exploit the space.