Jacob Tanswell
@jacobtanswell.bsky.social
Aston Villa writer for The Athletic | #AVFC | Subscribe here: https://theathletic.com
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Jacob Tanswell
@jacobtanswell.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Ross Barkley interview: ‘I haven’t drunk since the summer. It created situations I don’t want anymore’
In a wide-ranging interview, Ross Barkley discusses the up and downs of his career from Everton to Villa and all in between
www.nytimes.com
Exclusive interview with Ross Barkley:
▪️Becoming teetotal
▪️Therapy
▪️A challenging upbringing
▪️Mental pressures and criticism
▪️Leaving Everton, Chelsea and frustrations
▪️Unai Emery’s “No bull***t”
➕More
@theathleticfc.bsky.social #AVFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
▪️Becoming teetotal
▪️Therapy
▪️A challenging upbringing
▪️Mental pressures and criticism
▪️Leaving Everton, Chelsea and frustrations
▪️Unai Emery’s “No bull***t”
➕More
@theathleticfc.bsky.social #AVFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
HT: Newcastle 0-1 #AVFC
Villa have to be wary of Newcastle's pace out-wide and crosses, but an excellent away display so far. Passing crisp, combinations & movement from the front four is causing big issues and the two CMs are stopping Newcastle from playing through centrally
Villa have to be wary of Newcastle's pace out-wide and crosses, but an excellent away display so far. Passing crisp, combinations & movement from the front four is causing big issues and the two CMs are stopping Newcastle from playing through centrally
January 25, 2026 at 2:50 PM
HT: Newcastle 0-1 #AVFC
Villa have to be wary of Newcastle's pace out-wide and crosses, but an excellent away display so far. Passing crisp, combinations & movement from the front four is causing big issues and the two CMs are stopping Newcastle from playing through centrally
Villa have to be wary of Newcastle's pace out-wide and crosses, but an excellent away display so far. Passing crisp, combinations & movement from the front four is causing big issues and the two CMs are stopping Newcastle from playing through centrally
Oh my, Emi Martinez.
Amazing save to deny Lewis Miley's header. Having a brilliant game, so far. Sums his season up - either at fault for a goal or delivers this type of performance. #AVFC letting Newcastle cross too much.
Amazing save to deny Lewis Miley's header. Having a brilliant game, so far. Sums his season up - either at fault for a goal or delivers this type of performance. #AVFC letting Newcastle cross too much.
January 25, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Oh my, Emi Martinez.
Amazing save to deny Lewis Miley's header. Having a brilliant game, so far. Sums his season up - either at fault for a goal or delivers this type of performance. #AVFC letting Newcastle cross too much.
Amazing save to deny Lewis Miley's header. Having a brilliant game, so far. Sums his season up - either at fault for a goal or delivers this type of performance. #AVFC letting Newcastle cross too much.
Another Buendia shot from another slick #AVFC move. A lot of this is down to the two No 10's positioning. Playing so close together means they can pass between each other and around pressure.
It's like a rugby-style build-up; moving upfield by passing from one side to another
It's like a rugby-style build-up; moving upfield by passing from one side to another
January 25, 2026 at 2:37 PM
Another Buendia shot from another slick #AVFC move. A lot of this is down to the two No 10's positioning. Playing so close together means they can pass between each other and around pressure.
It's like a rugby-style build-up; moving upfield by passing from one side to another
It's like a rugby-style build-up; moving upfield by passing from one side to another
Another screamer from a Villa player outside the box. Outrageous.
Excellent approach play from #AVFC - Onana, into Tielemans, into Rogers, into Buendia, who lets fly and into the far corner. Emery's box midfield crystallised in that goal. 1-0
Excellent approach play from #AVFC - Onana, into Tielemans, into Rogers, into Buendia, who lets fly and into the far corner. Emery's box midfield crystallised in that goal. 1-0
January 25, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Another screamer from a Villa player outside the box. Outrageous.
Excellent approach play from #AVFC - Onana, into Tielemans, into Rogers, into Buendia, who lets fly and into the far corner. Emery's box midfield crystallised in that goal. 1-0
Excellent approach play from #AVFC - Onana, into Tielemans, into Rogers, into Buendia, who lets fly and into the far corner. Emery's box midfield crystallised in that goal. 1-0
What Sancho gives you on the right is that he can come infield and also make runs outside his FB. On the left, he's predictable and slow. This narrow attacking system suits him as he plays near to Rogers/Cash and can combine. Emery screaming at Watkins to spin in behind. #AVFC
January 25, 2026 at 2:15 PM
What Sancho gives you on the right is that he can come infield and also make runs outside his FB. On the left, he's predictable and slow. This narrow attacking system suits him as he plays near to Rogers/Cash and can combine. Emery screaming at Watkins to spin in behind. #AVFC
Big chance for Villa. Sancho comes in off the right brilliantly and slips in Watkins (with the help of a deflection), but Pope gets a nick on it.
#AVFC's 10s really tight in a 4-2-2-2 and almost paid off
#AVFC's 10s really tight in a 4-2-2-2 and almost paid off
January 25, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Big chance for Villa. Sancho comes in off the right brilliantly and slips in Watkins (with the help of a deflection), but Pope gets a nick on it.
#AVFC's 10s really tight in a 4-2-2-2 and almost paid off
#AVFC's 10s really tight in a 4-2-2-2 and almost paid off
Like what Gabriel did, Botman is intent on following Rogers wherever he goes. Sometimes results in Newcastle's CBs crossing over temporarily.
Buendia has an important role in tucking in next to Tielemans and knowing when to stay with Trippier and when to help centrally. #AVFC
Buendia has an important role in tucking in next to Tielemans and knowing when to stay with Trippier and when to help centrally. #AVFC
January 25, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Like what Gabriel did, Botman is intent on following Rogers wherever he goes. Sometimes results in Newcastle's CBs crossing over temporarily.
Buendia has an important role in tucking in next to Tielemans and knowing when to stay with Trippier and when to help centrally. #AVFC
Buendia has an important role in tucking in next to Tielemans and knowing when to stay with Trippier and when to help centrally. #AVFC
Jeez. Martinez saves with his legs from close range after Tonali gets through 40 seconds in. That wouldn't have been what Villa needed.Big save, but poor from #AVFC early
Ezri Konsa won the toss and has decided to swap ends. All part of Villa knowing they can't start as they have done the last two times, here.
Boos from the home crowd. #AVFC
Boos from the home crowd. #AVFC
January 25, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Jeez. Martinez saves with his legs from close range after Tonali gets through 40 seconds in. That wouldn't have been what Villa needed.Big save, but poor from #AVFC early
Ezri Konsa won the toss and has decided to swap ends. All part of Villa knowing they can't start as they have done the last two times, here.
Boos from the home crowd. #AVFC
Boos from the home crowd. #AVFC
January 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Ezri Konsa won the toss and has decided to swap ends. All part of Villa knowing they can't start as they have done the last two times, here.
Boos from the home crowd. #AVFC
Boos from the home crowd. #AVFC
#AVFC & Newcastle without their midfield anchors - Tielemans & Onana have to stay behind play as Villa can't afford to be caught on transition like the last few times here. Buendia & Sancho good in Turkey but this is different. Need to be quicker on the ball & stand up physically
January 25, 2026 at 12:53 PM
#AVFC & Newcastle without their midfield anchors - Tielemans & Onana have to stay behind play as Villa can't afford to be caught on transition like the last few times here. Buendia & Sancho good in Turkey but this is different. Need to be quicker on the ball & stand up physically
#AVFC XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau, Maatsen; Tielemans, Onana; Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
Five changes from Fenerbahce. Martinez starts. Elliott and Bailey back in the squad and on the bench.
Five changes from Fenerbahce. Martinez starts. Elliott and Bailey back in the squad and on the bench.
January 25, 2026 at 12:45 PM
#AVFC XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau, Maatsen; Tielemans, Onana; Sancho, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
Five changes from Fenerbahce. Martinez starts. Elliott and Bailey back in the squad and on the bench.
Five changes from Fenerbahce. Martinez starts. Elliott and Bailey back in the squad and on the bench.
Unai Emery described the last two results here - 5-1 and 3-0 - as “horrible.”
#AVFC not won here since 2005, but in this Emery era, they have oddly been overpowered in midfield. With both teams having injuries in those areas, who adapts and copes best may be the decisive factor
#AVFC not won here since 2005, but in this Emery era, they have oddly been overpowered in midfield. With both teams having injuries in those areas, who adapts and copes best may be the decisive factor
January 25, 2026 at 11:14 AM
Unai Emery described the last two results here - 5-1 and 3-0 - as “horrible.”
#AVFC not won here since 2005, but in this Emery era, they have oddly been overpowered in midfield. With both teams having injuries in those areas, who adapts and copes best may be the decisive factor
#AVFC not won here since 2005, but in this Emery era, they have oddly been overpowered in midfield. With both teams having injuries in those areas, who adapts and copes best may be the decisive factor
As was doing the rounds on social media tonight, Harvey Elliott had travelled with the #AVFC squad. Still has 5 appearances before Villa have to trigger the obligation, so for the time being, wise for Elliott to be a midfield depth option when there are injuries in those areas.
January 24, 2026 at 10:08 PM
As was doing the rounds on social media tonight, Harvey Elliott had travelled with the #AVFC squad. Still has 5 appearances before Villa have to trigger the obligation, so for the time being, wise for Elliott to be a midfield depth option when there are injuries in those areas.
Reposted by Jacob Tanswell
Tammy Abraham is travelling to complete a transfer to Aston Villa from Besiktas.
The clubs agreed a fee of €21million (£18.1m; $24.7m), with Yasin Ozcan moving in the opposite direction.
Abraham is set to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal.
@david-ornstein.bsky.social & @jacobtanswell.bsky.social
The clubs agreed a fee of €21million (£18.1m; $24.7m), with Yasin Ozcan moving in the opposite direction.
Abraham is set to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal.
@david-ornstein.bsky.social & @jacobtanswell.bsky.social
Tammy Abraham travelling for Aston Villa medical after deal agreed with Besiktas
The forward, 28, is set to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal with Villa.
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Tammy Abraham is travelling to complete a transfer to Aston Villa from Besiktas.
The clubs agreed a fee of €21million (£18.1m; $24.7m), with Yasin Ozcan moving in the opposite direction.
Abraham is set to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal.
@david-ornstein.bsky.social & @jacobtanswell.bsky.social
The clubs agreed a fee of €21million (£18.1m; $24.7m), with Yasin Ozcan moving in the opposite direction.
Abraham is set to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal.
@david-ornstein.bsky.social & @jacobtanswell.bsky.social
#AVFC reach agreement to sign Tammy Abraham from Besiktas. Deal €21m with Yasin Ozcan moving in the opposite direction. 28yo is flying to the UK for medical tomorrow. Will sign four-and-a-half year contract. @theathleticfc.bsky.social w/ @david-ornstein.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
Tammy Abraham travelling for Aston Villa medical after deal agreed with Besiktas
The forward, 28, is set to sign a four-and-a-half-year deal with Villa.
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 5:32 PM
#AVFC reach agreement to sign Tammy Abraham from Besiktas. Deal €21m with Yasin Ozcan moving in the opposite direction. 28yo is flying to the UK for medical tomorrow. Will sign four-and-a-half year contract. @theathleticfc.bsky.social w/ @david-ornstein.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...
Reposted by Jacob Tanswell
⚫ Regulations protect status quo 📜
⚪ Different transfer approaches 🔄
🟣 Matchday & commercial revenue challenges 💸
🔵 Managerial stability 🤝
🤑 #NUFC, #AVFC & their respective uphill battles to consistently break the "Big 6" hegemony, w/ @jacobtanswell.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
⚪ Different transfer approaches 🔄
🟣 Matchday & commercial revenue challenges 💸
🔵 Managerial stability 🤝
🤑 #NUFC, #AVFC & their respective uphill battles to consistently break the "Big 6" hegemony, w/ @jacobtanswell.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Newcastle, Aston Villa and the difficulty of breaking financial stranglehold of the ‘Big Six’
They are two teams who have broken into the Champions League places in recent seasons - but how can you break into the financial 'Big Six'?
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:08 AM
⚫ Regulations protect status quo 📜
⚪ Different transfer approaches 🔄
🟣 Matchday & commercial revenue challenges 💸
🔵 Managerial stability 🤝
🤑 #NUFC, #AVFC & their respective uphill battles to consistently break the "Big 6" hegemony, w/ @jacobtanswell.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
⚪ Different transfer approaches 🔄
🟣 Matchday & commercial revenue challenges 💸
🔵 Managerial stability 🤝
🤑 #NUFC, #AVFC & their respective uphill battles to consistently break the "Big 6" hegemony, w/ @jacobtanswell.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Fenerbahce sources explained a graph, one side showing high possession, the other directness. #AVFC were bang in the middle, suggesting they know what tool is needed depending on the job.
Villa have learned how to control away games in volatile atmospheres.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Villa have learned how to control away games in volatile atmospheres.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Aston Villa have learned to control away games in volatile atmospheres. It bodes well
Aston Villa overcame Fenerbahce 1-0 on Thursday night, handling a raucous crowd in the process
www.nytimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:10 AM
Fenerbahce sources explained a graph, one side showing high possession, the other directness. #AVFC were bang in the middle, suggesting they know what tool is needed depending on the job.
Villa have learned how to control away games in volatile atmospheres.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Villa have learned how to control away games in volatile atmospheres.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
In his 100th Europa League game, and as he chases a 5th Europa League title, every single Fenerbahce journalist asks for a picture with him on his way out. A good, satisfying evening all round, where #AVFC earned a deserved win.
January 22, 2026 at 8:50 PM
In his 100th Europa League game, and as he chases a 5th Europa League title, every single Fenerbahce journalist asks for a picture with him on his way out. A good, satisfying evening all round, where #AVFC earned a deserved win.
January 22, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Emery: "I’m so, so happy.
"How we are building the team with some circumstances not helping us, trying to get balance in everything and focus on each match, with the opportunities we can have in the last week to complete our structure with the players we need." #AVFC
"How we are building the team with some circumstances not helping us, trying to get balance in everything and focus on each match, with the opportunities we can have in the last week to complete our structure with the players we need." #AVFC
January 22, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Emery: "I’m so, so happy.
"How we are building the team with some circumstances not helping us, trying to get balance in everything and focus on each match, with the opportunities we can have in the last week to complete our structure with the players we need." #AVFC
"How we are building the team with some circumstances not helping us, trying to get balance in everything and focus on each match, with the opportunities we can have in the last week to complete our structure with the players we need." #AVFC
FT: Fenerbahce 0-1 #AVFC
Brilliant win given the tough schedule, depleted squad and the challenge of this atmosphere. Villa definitely made hard work of it and should've had the game done in the first half, but some really good performances and a big win in the league phase.
Brilliant win given the tough schedule, depleted squad and the challenge of this atmosphere. Villa definitely made hard work of it and should've had the game done in the first half, but some really good performances and a big win in the league phase.
January 22, 2026 at 7:40 PM
FT: Fenerbahce 0-1 #AVFC
Brilliant win given the tough schedule, depleted squad and the challenge of this atmosphere. Villa definitely made hard work of it and should've had the game done in the first half, but some really good performances and a big win in the league phase.
Brilliant win given the tough schedule, depleted squad and the challenge of this atmosphere. Villa definitely made hard work of it and should've had the game done in the first half, but some really good performances and a big win in the league phase.
Mings and Lindelof have headed anything that's moved, so far. Really good defensive line and leadership.
#AVFC sitting deeper, trying to close this game down and break
#AVFC sitting deeper, trying to close this game down and break
January 22, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Mings and Lindelof have headed anything that's moved, so far. Really good defensive line and leadership.
#AVFC sitting deeper, trying to close this game down and break
#AVFC sitting deeper, trying to close this game down and break