Jacob Tanswell
@jacobtanswell.bsky.social
Aston Villa writer for The Athletic | #AVFC | Subscribe here: https://theathletic.com
A big game for #AVFC. A direct competitor and a stylistic clash, usually entertaining, between the Basque managers. Villa have improved league performances but lack of goals and xG (lowest in the league, partly due to Wolves & Burnley playing one more game) needs to be addressed
November 9, 2025 at 11:06 AM
A big game for #AVFC. A direct competitor and a stylistic clash, usually entertaining, between the Basque managers. Villa have improved league performances but lack of goals and xG (lowest in the league, partly due to Wolves & Burnley playing one more game) needs to be addressed
You'll struggle to find a more 'normal' footballer than John McGinn. Humility and is just so refreshing. Always really enjoy speaking to him. 300 appearances up for #AVFC tonight.
Excerpt below:
Link: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Excerpt below:
Link: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
November 6, 2025 at 8:24 AM
You'll struggle to find a more 'normal' footballer than John McGinn. Humility and is just so refreshing. Always really enjoy speaking to him. 300 appearances up for #AVFC tonight.
Excerpt below:
Link: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Excerpt below:
Link: www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
John McGinn interview- reflecting on his #AVFC career, 300 games and a new contract:
🟣First talk with Emery
🟤Uncertain summer/interest from elsewhere
🟣The perennial fear of being replaced
🟤Proving critics wrong
🟣Determination to win a trophy
➕More
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
🟣First talk with Emery
🟤Uncertain summer/interest from elsewhere
🟣The perennial fear of being replaced
🟤Proving critics wrong
🟣Determination to win a trophy
➕More
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
November 5, 2025 at 10:30 PM
John McGinn interview- reflecting on his #AVFC career, 300 games and a new contract:
🟣First talk with Emery
🟤Uncertain summer/interest from elsewhere
🟣The perennial fear of being replaced
🟤Proving critics wrong
🟣Determination to win a trophy
➕More
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
🟣First talk with Emery
🟤Uncertain summer/interest from elsewhere
🟣The perennial fear of being replaced
🟤Proving critics wrong
🟣Determination to win a trophy
➕More
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
#AVFC have won one of their previous 30 away games against reigning champions. Yet in theory there will not be a better time to visit Anfield- not just because of Liverpool’s form,but because Villa have got confidence & style back.This could cap a remarkable three league game run
November 1, 2025 at 7:56 PM
#AVFC have won one of their previous 30 away games against reigning champions. Yet in theory there will not be a better time to visit Anfield- not just because of Liverpool’s form,but because Villa have got confidence & style back.This could cap a remarkable three league game run
October 24, 2025 at 2:12 PM
The last two visits have shown the best & worst of #AVFC. The first was a turnaround win, with smart in-game tweaks. The second was close but the opposite happened - making subs & losing their way
This is the start of a run that will give a better idea of this Villa side's level
This is the start of a run that will give a better idea of this Villa side's level
October 19, 2025 at 10:16 AM
The last two visits have shown the best & worst of #AVFC. The first was a turnaround win, with smart in-game tweaks. The second was close but the opposite happened - making subs & losing their way
This is the start of a run that will give a better idea of this Villa side's level
This is the start of a run that will give a better idea of this Villa side's level
Simply through Burnley’s engrossment with Morgan Rogers, #AVFC had a two-vs-two on the other two centre-backs. This culminated in Malen’s first goal, with Kamara playing an exceptional through ball.
October 6, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Simply through Burnley’s engrossment with Morgan Rogers, #AVFC had a two-vs-two on the other two centre-backs. This culminated in Malen’s first goal, with Kamara playing an exceptional through ball.
As for Feyenoord, they did not know who to mark the furthest No 10. One CM would press high, leaving their partner covering both No 10s.#AVFC created 2v1s and played around them. Because their CBs were reluctant to step out (as Watkins would run behind) one No 10 always had space
October 6, 2025 at 11:06 AM
As for Feyenoord, they did not know who to mark the furthest No 10. One CM would press high, leaving their partner covering both No 10s.#AVFC created 2v1s and played around them. Because their CBs were reluctant to step out (as Watkins would run behind) one No 10 always had space
Sander Berge was tasked with marking the "furthest No 10" in Elliott but jumping on McGinn when he had the ball. It created a 2v1 for #AVFC down their right, simply by having two No 10s instead of one. This was partly due to Fulham always marking Rogers on the opposition side
October 6, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Sander Berge was tasked with marking the "furthest No 10" in Elliott but jumping on McGinn when he had the ball. It created a 2v1 for #AVFC down their right, simply by having two No 10s instead of one. This was partly due to Fulham always marking Rogers on the opposition side
Occupying different spaces makes the opponent react. #AVFC’s No 10s are carefully designed constructs of Unai Emery. His counterparts have attempted varying strategies to nullify his No 10s, shown in the last week.
We start vs Fulham when McGinn sees the space he has...
Thread:
We start vs Fulham when McGinn sees the space he has...
Thread:
October 6, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Occupying different spaces makes the opponent react. #AVFC’s No 10s are carefully designed constructs of Unai Emery. His counterparts have attempted varying strategies to nullify his No 10s, shown in the last week.
We start vs Fulham when McGinn sees the space he has...
Thread:
We start vs Fulham when McGinn sees the space he has...
Thread:
Only three Villa players in Premier League history have registered more open-play assists than Morgan Rogers in a calendar year. No team attacks centrally more than #AVFC. Game plans are built around the "furthest no 10" opening passing lanes and the two 10s.
October 6, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Only three Villa players in Premier League history have registered more open-play assists than Morgan Rogers in a calendar year. No team attacks centrally more than #AVFC. Game plans are built around the "furthest no 10" opening passing lanes and the two 10s.
On paper, Malen has simply replaced Guessand
But if you look at #AVFC's average positions compared to Fulham, Guessand (29) was a typical Emery winger, moving up top at certain times. Whereas Malen (17) is a traditional No 9 today,tasked with finishing (only four passes so far)
But if you look at #AVFC's average positions compared to Fulham, Guessand (29) was a typical Emery winger, moving up top at certain times. Whereas Malen (17) is a traditional No 9 today,tasked with finishing (only four passes so far)
October 5, 2025 at 1:50 PM
On paper, Malen has simply replaced Guessand
But if you look at #AVFC's average positions compared to Fulham, Guessand (29) was a typical Emery winger, moving up top at certain times. Whereas Malen (17) is a traditional No 9 today,tasked with finishing (only four passes so far)
But if you look at #AVFC's average positions compared to Fulham, Guessand (29) was a typical Emery winger, moving up top at certain times. Whereas Malen (17) is a traditional No 9 today,tasked with finishing (only four passes so far)
Guessand's profile appeals to Emery.We've all talked about #AVFC lack of width, but Guessand is essentially a second forward in certain phases of play.Emery used Bailey this way at times last season & notably this pre-season.A narrow 4-2-2-2 means Watkins & Guessand are split STs
October 2, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Guessand's profile appeals to Emery.We've all talked about #AVFC lack of width, but Guessand is essentially a second forward in certain phases of play.Emery used Bailey this way at times last season & notably this pre-season.A narrow 4-2-2-2 means Watkins & Guessand are split STs
September 25, 2025 at 6:58 PM
September 25, 2025 at 6:58 PM
The league season is only five games old, yet the mood among the squad and supporters alike is already weary.
Piece on Aston Villa's struggles, toils and last season's Champions League quarter-finalists now appearing so flat:
#AVFC @theathleticfc.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
Piece on Aston Villa's struggles, toils and last season's Champions League quarter-finalists now appearing so flat:
#AVFC @theathleticfc.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
September 22, 2025 at 1:02 PM
The league season is only five games old, yet the mood among the squad and supporters alike is already weary.
Piece on Aston Villa's struggles, toils and last season's Champions League quarter-finalists now appearing so flat:
#AVFC @theathleticfc.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
Piece on Aston Villa's struggles, toils and last season's Champions League quarter-finalists now appearing so flat:
#AVFC @theathleticfc.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/664...
Guessand made intriguing runs in the cup match against Brentford. His touch and final action was unpredictable but he should add some threat in behind. Otherwise you get this scenario - when Watkins receives, there are a lot of other players stationary & easier to defend #AVFC
September 21, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Guessand made intriguing runs in the cup match against Brentford. His touch and final action was unpredictable but he should add some threat in behind. Otherwise you get this scenario - when Watkins receives, there are a lot of other players stationary & easier to defend #AVFC
Good morning from a sunny Stadium of Light.A game fittingly dedicated to the Bradley Lowery Foundation's 'Cancer Has No Colour' campaign.
Everyone is very welcoming & confident.#AVFC crave a win/goal. Watkins & Emery have good records vs newly-promoted sides;both need a good day
Everyone is very welcoming & confident.#AVFC crave a win/goal. Watkins & Emery have good records vs newly-promoted sides;both need a good day
September 21, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Good morning from a sunny Stadium of Light.A game fittingly dedicated to the Bradley Lowery Foundation's 'Cancer Has No Colour' campaign.
Everyone is very welcoming & confident.#AVFC crave a win/goal. Watkins & Emery have good records vs newly-promoted sides;both need a good day
Everyone is very welcoming & confident.#AVFC crave a win/goal. Watkins & Emery have good records vs newly-promoted sides;both need a good day
Success brings longevity. Emery is nearing his third year at #AVFC & has the PL's joint oldest squad. It means he'll have to do something he hasn't so far - transition/rebuild the squad,planning for the future rather than upcoming months.
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
September 19, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Success brings longevity. Emery is nearing his third year at #AVFC & has the PL's joint oldest squad. It means he'll have to do something he hasn't so far - transition/rebuild the squad,planning for the future rather than upcoming months.
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
@theathleticfc.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
On the right flank, Sancho tends to drive in a straight line or on the outside of defenders in possession, rather than drifting inside. This is potentially beneficial to Emery’s structure and will help maintain width.
#AVFC
#AVFC
September 17, 2025 at 6:58 AM
On the right flank, Sancho tends to drive in a straight line or on the outside of defenders in possession, rather than drifting inside. This is potentially beneficial to Emery’s structure and will help maintain width.
#AVFC
#AVFC
Sancho’s chief strengths lie in combination play, better in tight areas and working opportunities to reach the byline or a promising final third position, as opposed to sheer speed. An overlapping Maatsen and a close No 10 shifting over (like Elliott did in the 2nd half).
#AVFC
#AVFC
September 17, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Sancho’s chief strengths lie in combination play, better in tight areas and working opportunities to reach the byline or a promising final third position, as opposed to sheer speed. An overlapping Maatsen and a close No 10 shifting over (like Elliott did in the 2nd half).
#AVFC
#AVFC
September 13, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Good afternoon from a quite incredible new stadium.
So many storylines this afternoon - new signings, Martinez’s return. Grealish (no surprise he’s on the programme), no goals, style of play evolution.
In truth, the most important one is that #AVFC just need a result.
So many storylines this afternoon - new signings, Martinez’s return. Grealish (no surprise he’s on the programme), no goals, style of play evolution.
In truth, the most important one is that #AVFC just need a result.
September 13, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Good afternoon from a quite incredible new stadium.
So many storylines this afternoon - new signings, Martinez’s return. Grealish (no surprise he’s on the programme), no goals, style of play evolution.
In truth, the most important one is that #AVFC just need a result.
So many storylines this afternoon - new signings, Martinez’s return. Grealish (no surprise he’s on the programme), no goals, style of play evolution.
In truth, the most important one is that #AVFC just need a result.