Aston Villa should not hit the panic button on top-four race simply but

Regardless of Aston Villa’s current setbacks with three consecutive losses at house in each the Premier League and FA Cup, I stay optimistic that they’ll safe a top-four end. I don’t suppose their season will merely fizzle out.

Sunday’s slender defeat to Manchester United, significantly with a last-minute purpose, will undoubtedly sting. Psychologically, it was a major blow, particularly contemplating {that a} draw would have preserved the eight-point hole between the 2 golf equipment.

Certainly, it’s irritating for Villa followers to witness their crew dominate towards Manchester United in two thrilling encounters, solely to come back away empty-handed on each events. Shedding 3-2 at Previous Trafford in December after which struggling one other last-minute defeat on Sunday means Villa have relinquished six essential factors to a direct rival for a Champions League spot.

Whereas the current defeat is disappointing, Unai Emery’s meticulous organisation, evident recreation plans, and tactical changes throughout matches reinforce my perception that they’ve what it takes to beat this present setback.

Villa’s current poor outcomes don’t mirror a sudden decline of their efficiency. The primary distinction now, in comparison with earlier within the season, is their incapability to capitalise on alternatives in tight matches.

Ollie Watkins, specifically, is experiencing a part the place he’s struggling to seek out the online as constantly as earlier than. Whereas he scored 9 objectives in his first 17 Premier League video games of the season, he has solely managed to attain twice in his final seven appearances.

Regardless of receiving an identical variety of possibilities per recreation, Watkins’ conversion fee has dropped considerably, resulting in a shift from over-performing to under-performing primarily based on his anticipated objectives.

Villa’s subsequent few fixtures (Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Luton City) present them a possibility to get again on a profitable run and cement their top-four aspirations.