Aston Villa snatched another away win this season, which is a new milestone for the boss, but not without a risk.

Aston Villa successfully picked up another win on the road by thumping Newcastle United 1-0 yesterday. The only goal of the game was scored by Johan Manzambi’s header. It was enough to help staying consistently on the positive trend. 

It was also an important game for Unai Emery too as it was his 100 wins in the Premier League. The Spaniard reached such milestone in his 197 games in English top flight. Unfortunately, their victory was quite costly, considering their left back crisis at the moment.

According to the report in the Athletic, more players have been injured after the game. It was Wan Bissaka and probably Manzambi too 

“I think it’s hamstring for (Wan-Bissaka).He played fantastic when we needed him against Brentford, Fenerbahce and today. It’s not clear (on Manzambi). He was tired, he felt something but the first check we did is that it’s not something big.”

Is the left back crisis getting worse?

The injury of Wan Bissaka is certainly not good news for Villa. They have already lost Matteo Ruggeri and Ian Maatsen previously. With another Champions League match in three days’ time, Emery is going to be in need of finding a solution for the away game in Stravanger, Norway on Wednesday as they are facing off against Viking. 

Fortunately, there has been a positive update on Ian Maatsen. The Dutchman is reportedly closing in on a return to training, Emery added in his comment. 

“Ian Maatsen is getting better and he will start training with us next week. We are going to find another solution, like with Tyrone Mings in the last 10 minutes.”

Mings might be prepared for a left back in the starting XI for the Wednesday game, while his deputy might have to be taken from the reserve team or U21 team. Rodrigo Fortes is likely to be the favorite to be promoted in the first  team.

How Villa won over Newcastle

The Lions started off the game well with an early chance from Nicolas Jackson. Yet, the game then went even before Villa broke the deadlock in the first half. Joao Gomes sent the ball from the right flank and Manzambi met the crossing with his head.

Villa had another opportunity to double the advantage but Buendia’s attempt only hit the post. In the second half, The Magpies strived to find the equalizer but one chance was denied by Suzuki. They had more shots but off the target. Yoane Wissa and Co squandered several shots. They produced seven of them but only one was on target. 

Despite not playing the captain John McGinn as a starter, Villa did not lose their aggressiveness to win the ball when losing it. Alyson Edward was fielded in place for McGinn in the first half and did fairly well. 

Villa’s last attempt to double their lead came from Ross Barkley’s long range shot later in the second half. Unfortunately,Lukas Hornicek parried the ball out.