Jacob Tanswell
@jacobtanswell.bsky.social
Aston Villa writer for The Athletic | #AVFC | Subscribe here: https://theathletic.com
Pinned
Inside Real Union:
🟢A founding La Liga club with four Copa del Rey's
⚪️#AVFC/V Sports multi-club network
🟢Owned by Unai Emery due to a rich family history: "I have a responsibility with my father and grandfather and towards my land."@theathleticfc.bsky.social
🟢A founding La Liga club with four Copa del Rey's
⚪️#AVFC/V Sports multi-club network
🟢Owned by Unai Emery due to a rich family history: "I have a responsibility with my father and grandfather and towards my land."@theathleticfc.bsky.social
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...
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
November 12, 2025 at 7:46 AM
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...
Morgan Rogers is the latest #AVFC to sign a new contract. As reported in July, Villa outlined intentions to offer another contract to elevate him among the highest earners in the squad. 12 month extension so new deal runs until 2031.
November 10, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Morgan Rogers is the latest #AVFC to sign a new contract. As reported in July, Villa outlined intentions to offer another contract to elevate him among the highest earners in the squad. 12 month extension so new deal runs until 2031.
When #AVFC needed leaders and clarity at the start of this season, John McGinn offered both. He has spoken about players writing their names in club folklore, which, in his case, has surely been achieved. He is a modern-day Villa legend. @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
John McGinn, Aston Villa legend
The captain, who achieved a notable milestone last week, has been pivotal to the club's resurgence after a slow start to the season
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:51 AM
When #AVFC needed leaders and clarity at the start of this season, John McGinn offered both. He has spoken about players writing their names in club folklore, which, in his case, has surely been achieved. He is a modern-day Villa legend. @theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Emery will know there are things to improve (the underlying numbers haven’t been great & usually do start to tell at some point) but beating Spurs, City & Bournemouth represents an exceptional transformation. The squad was flat in September - there is undeniable belief now #AVFC
November 9, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Emery will know there are things to improve (the underlying numbers haven’t been great & usually do start to tell at some point) but beating Spurs, City & Bournemouth represents an exceptional transformation. The squad was flat in September - there is undeniable belief now #AVFC
Andoni Iraola: "(In the first half) they were much better than us, much more aggressive, they were pressing us very well. For me, they scored three set play goals, but it was not a case of ‘they scored three set piece and nothing else.’ They were better than us." #AVFC
November 9, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Andoni Iraola: "(In the first half) they were much better than us, much more aggressive, they were pressing us very well. For me, they scored three set play goals, but it was not a case of ‘they scored three set piece and nothing else.’ They were better than us." #AVFC
FT: #AVFC 4-0 Bournemouth
Most complete display in some time.Not just because it was emphatic (biggest win since Sheff Utd in Feb 2024) but because of how the approach worked. Nullified Bournemouth's chaos & turned them ragged,showing their intelligence.Immense effort physically
Most complete display in some time.Not just because it was emphatic (biggest win since Sheff Utd in Feb 2024) but because of how the approach worked. Nullified Bournemouth's chaos & turned them ragged,showing their intelligence.Immense effort physically
November 9, 2025 at 4:06 PM
FT: #AVFC 4-0 Bournemouth
Most complete display in some time.Not just because it was emphatic (biggest win since Sheff Utd in Feb 2024) but because of how the approach worked. Nullified Bournemouth's chaos & turned them ragged,showing their intelligence.Immense effort physically
Most complete display in some time.Not just because it was emphatic (biggest win since Sheff Utd in Feb 2024) but because of how the approach worked. Nullified Bournemouth's chaos & turned them ragged,showing their intelligence.Immense effort physically
Two goals outside the box, then two clever corner routines. This one is pulled back for Tielemans who shoots, but Malen gets a touch to deflect the ball the other way and past Petrovic. Watkins probably hoping that would've fallen to him. Anyway, it's 4-0 & a big result
November 9, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Two goals outside the box, then two clever corner routines. This one is pulled back for Tielemans who shoots, but Malen gets a touch to deflect the ball the other way and past Petrovic. Watkins probably hoping that would've fallen to him. Anyway, it's 4-0 & a big result
November 9, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Digne's corner is whipped towards the near post and Barkley gets a glancing touch on it. 3-0.
Very few teams do this to Bournemouth. A huge performance. #AVFC
Very few teams do this to Bournemouth. A huge performance. #AVFC
November 9, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Digne's corner is whipped towards the near post and Barkley gets a glancing touch on it. 3-0.
Very few teams do this to Bournemouth. A huge performance. #AVFC
Very few teams do this to Bournemouth. A huge performance. #AVFC
Emiliano Martinez, the hero, the villain.
One week he's passing the ball to Salah, the next he pulls off a remarkably acrobatic save and then a penalty save. Villa Park bellows 'the world's number 1'.
#AVFC
One week he's passing the ball to Salah, the next he pulls off a remarkably acrobatic save and then a penalty save. Villa Park bellows 'the world's number 1'.
#AVFC
November 9, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Emiliano Martinez, the hero, the villain.
One week he's passing the ball to Salah, the next he pulls off a remarkably acrobatic save and then a penalty save. Villa Park bellows 'the world's number 1'.
#AVFC
One week he's passing the ball to Salah, the next he pulls off a remarkably acrobatic save and then a penalty save. Villa Park bellows 'the world's number 1'.
#AVFC
Don't want to tempt fate, but Matty Cash's defending this season has been among the best in the league. More commanding, timing his tackles and really aggressive on the winger, regardless of who it is. Quite telling that Iraola wanted Semenyo against Digne initially. #AVFC
November 9, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Don't want to tempt fate, but Matty Cash's defending this season has been among the best in the league. More commanding, timing his tackles and really aggressive on the winger, regardless of who it is. Quite telling that Iraola wanted Semenyo against Digne initially. #AVFC
Incredible save from Martinez to tip a deflected effort over the crossbar.
Exceptional actually. Notice how many #AVFC players get back to try and stop the breakaway. At one point ,seven players are chasing back with just Kluivert. That's the desire Emery will love
Exceptional actually. Notice how many #AVFC players get back to try and stop the breakaway. At one point ,seven players are chasing back with just Kluivert. That's the desire Emery will love
November 9, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Incredible save from Martinez to tip a deflected effort over the crossbar.
Exceptional actually. Notice how many #AVFC players get back to try and stop the breakaway. At one point ,seven players are chasing back with just Kluivert. That's the desire Emery will love
Exceptional actually. Notice how many #AVFC players get back to try and stop the breakaway. At one point ,seven players are chasing back with just Kluivert. That's the desire Emery will love
Emery trying to use Iraola's man marking to his disadvantage. #AVFC's attackers making unfamiliar movements, which means their markers have to track them. Buendia is making Semenyo go into midfield, Senesi to left, Truffert into midfield etc.
No surprise there are lots of fouls
No surprise there are lots of fouls
November 9, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Emery trying to use Iraola's man marking to his disadvantage. #AVFC's attackers making unfamiliar movements, which means their markers have to track them. Buendia is making Semenyo go into midfield, Senesi to left, Truffert into midfield etc.
No surprise there are lots of fouls
No surprise there are lots of fouls
HT: #AVFC 2-0 Bournemouth
Villa have played, as Emery says, "very mature." Not got involved in the intended chaos of the visitors, crucially won their direct duels and matched, if not bettered, their work-rate. Rogers & Watkins positioning in either channel has given an out-ball
Villa have played, as Emery says, "very mature." Not got involved in the intended chaos of the visitors, crucially won their direct duels and matched, if not bettered, their work-rate. Rogers & Watkins positioning in either channel has given an out-ball
November 9, 2025 at 2:53 PM
HT: #AVFC 2-0 Bournemouth
Villa have played, as Emery says, "very mature." Not got involved in the intended chaos of the visitors, crucially won their direct duels and matched, if not bettered, their work-rate. Rogers & Watkins positioning in either channel has given an out-ball
Villa have played, as Emery says, "very mature." Not got involved in the intended chaos of the visitors, crucially won their direct duels and matched, if not bettered, their work-rate. Rogers & Watkins positioning in either channel has given an out-ball
Shouldn't be lost how big an effort #AVFC put in that 1st half. Out-worked, out-hustled one of the most, if not the most, energetic sides in the league. Buendia's fitness, from now to even four months ago,is extraordinary. Emery always wants control but this has been very dynamic
November 9, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Shouldn't be lost how big an effort #AVFC put in that 1st half. Out-worked, out-hustled one of the most, if not the most, energetic sides in the league. Buendia's fitness, from now to even four months ago,is extraordinary. Emery always wants control but this has been very dynamic
Listen, who currently minds that #AVFC's xG is the lowest in the league, when you're last five goals have come from outside the box and been crackers.
November 9, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Listen, who currently minds that #AVFC's xG is the lowest in the league, when you're last five goals have come from outside the box and been crackers.
#AVFC have been brilliant since the first goal. Playing Bournemouth at their own game. Winning the ball back high and winning 50/50s. Another turnover of the ball high and after great work from Rogers, he pulls the ball back for Onana to shoot low and outside the box. 2-0
November 9, 2025 at 2:42 PM
#AVFC have been brilliant since the first goal. Playing Bournemouth at their own game. Winning the ball back high and winning 50/50s. Another turnover of the ball high and after great work from Rogers, he pulls the ball back for Onana to shoot low and outside the box. 2-0
Two minutes that sum it up. A Bournemouth free kick outside the box blazed over after they turned over the ball high. Then a #AVFC FK outside the box, as a result of Cash's restart.
It's a beautiful, lifted free-kick from Buendia, over the wall and leaves Petrovic stranded. 1-0
It's a beautiful, lifted free-kick from Buendia, over the wall and leaves Petrovic stranded. 1-0
November 9, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Two minutes that sum it up. A Bournemouth free kick outside the box blazed over after they turned over the ball high. Then a #AVFC FK outside the box, as a result of Cash's restart.
It's a beautiful, lifted free-kick from Buendia, over the wall and leaves Petrovic stranded. 1-0
It's a beautiful, lifted free-kick from Buendia, over the wall and leaves Petrovic stranded. 1-0
Bournemouth free kick outside the box. Scott brought down. Comes from Onana trying to turn but getting pickpocketed.
That pass into him from Pau is risky - Bournemouth want you to play inside. So too is Onana turnining blindly. #AVFC have to play wide, not pass into those areas
That pass into him from Pau is risky - Bournemouth want you to play inside. So too is Onana turnining blindly. #AVFC have to play wide, not pass into those areas
November 9, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Bournemouth free kick outside the box. Scott brought down. Comes from Onana trying to turn but getting pickpocketed.
That pass into him from Pau is risky - Bournemouth want you to play inside. So too is Onana turnining blindly. #AVFC have to play wide, not pass into those areas
That pass into him from Pau is risky - Bournemouth want you to play inside. So too is Onana turnining blindly. #AVFC have to play wide, not pass into those areas
Emery wants Rogers to start in the No 10 but make run downs the right side (like Malen would), to avoid Senesi from just following him and jumping on him everywhere. McGinn, at the same time, moves in off the right and central. #AVFC
November 9, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Emery wants Rogers to start in the No 10 but make run downs the right side (like Malen would), to avoid Senesi from just following him and jumping on him everywhere. McGinn, at the same time, moves in off the right and central. #AVFC
The ball has barely been in play due to injuries, set plays etc but this has started how you'd expect. Balls into channels, long passes, fouls and very rushed.
#AVFC's backline needs to be wary of Evanilson's runs into either channel, as Bournemouth are finding him regularly.
#AVFC's backline needs to be wary of Evanilson's runs into either channel, as Bournemouth are finding him regularly.
November 9, 2025 at 2:18 PM
The ball has barely been in play due to injuries, set plays etc but this has started how you'd expect. Balls into channels, long passes, fouls and very rushed.
#AVFC's backline needs to be wary of Evanilson's runs into either channel, as Bournemouth are finding him regularly.
#AVFC's backline needs to be wary of Evanilson's runs into either channel, as Bournemouth are finding him regularly.
A long delay after Smith and Adams collide. Smith has blood pouring from one side but protested as he was desperate to stay on, but won't be able to.
Intrigued to see how #AVFC deal with a man-to-man press - they have to find a way to get the ball into Buendia & Rogers
Intrigued to see how #AVFC deal with a man-to-man press - they have to find a way to get the ball into Buendia & Rogers
November 9, 2025 at 2:09 PM
A long delay after Smith and Adams collide. Smith has blood pouring from one side but protested as he was desperate to stay on, but won't be able to.
Intrigued to see how #AVFC deal with a man-to-man press - they have to find a way to get the ball into Buendia & Rogers
Intrigued to see how #AVFC deal with a man-to-man press - they have to find a way to get the ball into Buendia & Rogers
Bournemouth will do what Liverpool initially did and are, instantly.
Adams and Scott locking onto Kamara and Onana, leaving Rogers spare (Senesi will step on him). As you saw last week, if #AVFC can play through, Watkins has lots of space to run into
Adams and Scott locking onto Kamara and Onana, leaving Rogers spare (Senesi will step on him). As you saw last week, if #AVFC can play through, Watkins has lots of space to run into
November 9, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Bournemouth will do what Liverpool initially did and are, instantly.
Adams and Scott locking onto Kamara and Onana, leaving Rogers spare (Senesi will step on him). As you saw last week, if #AVFC can play through, Watkins has lots of space to run into
Adams and Scott locking onto Kamara and Onana, leaving Rogers spare (Senesi will step on him). As you saw last week, if #AVFC can play through, Watkins has lots of space to run into