The English football season had almost finished and all eyes were focused on Wembley Stadium, where the Championship play-off final was hosted. Fifth-placed Aston Villa and sixth-placed Derby County battled each other out for the last Premier League spot next season.
The Birmingham-based side started this season poorly under Steve Bruce, then Dean Smith came in and lifted Aston Villa up. An amazing twelve-match unbeaten run began at the end of February, which included ten wins, saw the team secured a playoff spot. They beat West Brom on penalties before heading to Wembley to meet Derby.
It’s fair to say that Frank Lampard has had a decent season with Derby. The side was consistent throughout the season and stayed inside the top ten for the majority of the time. In the play-off, they faced tough opposition in Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United. They lost the first leg but managed to overturn it through Jack Marriott’s two goals in the second leg. The loanees Mason Mount and Harry Wilson later secured the final spot at Wembley, capping off a magnificent performance.
As good as Derby were when they played against Leeds, they struggled against a stubborn Aston Villa. Anwar El Ghazi and John McGinn’s goals were enough for Dean Smith and his side to seal their promotion to the Premier League. This tactical analysis will analyse what helped Aston Villa secured the win against Derby. Meanwhile, using statistics, we will take a look at Derby’s problems in the play-off final.
Lineups
Smith chose to go for the 4-3-3 formation when they travelled to Wembley. Tyrone Mings and Axel Tuanzebe continued to be his first choice centre-backs after a terrific season from both. In front of them was the former Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane. John McGinn and Jack Grealish were chosen to play as central midfielders. Up front, Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham responsible for providing the goals.
On the bench, the former Brentford manager had a wealth of choices. Andre Green and Jonathan Kodjia always ready to provide a threat and they could turn into a super-sub. Mile Jedinak, Glenn Whelan and Henri Lansbury are midfielders who could provide solidity in defence if Villa wants to protect their lead.
Duane Holmes was a doubt ahead of the final and he picked Tom Huddlestone as his replacement. Scott Malone also missed out through suspension, with veteran defender Ashley Cole stepped up for his place. Martyn Waghorn managed to return from injury for a spot in the substitutes, alongside with Jack Marriott and Florian Jozefzoon.
Aston Villas defensive structure
When not in possession, Aston Villa tended to press the opposition players. But their press was conservative and they only began to press when the ball reached the middle third. This allowed the players to reshape the structure inside their own half and ready to defence.
The shot
