Unai Emery reveals simple and effective method to stop Aston Villa weakness
Unai Emery believes the best way to solve Villa’s problems defending set pieces is to stop conceding them in the first place.
Villa are the Premier League’s third most potent team from set plays this season after scoring 12 goals but have also let in 13 themselves.
They claimed a 1-1 draw at West Ham on Sunday after the hosts saw two set piece goals ruled out following VAR checks and Emery’s biggest concern is the amount of opportunities his team is giving away.
“At this level in the Premier League it is difficult (to defend set pieces) because there are very good takers and very top players,” he said.
“We have to avoid at the beginning conceding corners or set pieces, this is the most important. If they are taking 10 points or corners or free-kicks, they can score.”
Emery, meanwhile, described Nicolo Zaniolo’s goal-scoring substitute appearance as his best showing so far for the club.
The Italy international has not started a Premier League match since December 3 but bagged his second league goal to earn Villa a point against the Hammers.
“For Nicolo I think it was the best 30 minutes he’s had here and it is a consequence of him working and being more focused,” said Emery.
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