Aston Villa’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest on Saturday has left Unai Emery facing a tactical conundrum, particularly on the right wing, where Matty Cash’s underwhelming performance has raised questions about his suitability for the role.
The Right-Wing Enigma: Unpacking Cash’s Struggles
Matty Cash’s experiment on the right wing continued against Forest, but the Polish international failed to make a meaningful impact. Despite being given a starting berth by Emery, Cash’s performance was underwhelming, with an xG of 0.03 and a dribbling success rate of just 33%.
As former Aston Villa defender, Micah Richards, noted, “Cash’s performance was disappointing, but it’s not a surprise. He’s been struggling to make an impact on the right wing, and his defensive frailties have been exposed time and time again.“
The Defensive Vulnerabilities That Undid Aston Villa
Cash’s defensive struggles were also evident against Forest, as he was caught offside and dispossessed once, leading to the winning goal for Forest. This lack of defensive awareness has been a recurring theme in Cash’s performances this season, and it is an area that Emery will need to address if Villa are to start winning games consistently.
As Emery himself noted, “We need to work on our defensive solidity, and that includes Matty Cash. He has the potential to be a top player, but he needs to improve his defensive game.“
The Evolution of the Right Winger in Modern Football
In modern football, the right winger is often expected to provide width and delivery from the flank, while also tracking back to support the full-back. Cash’s failure to deliver on these fronts has raised questions about his suitability for the role.
As Darren Bent, former Aston Villa striker, noted, “Cash has the potential to be a top player, but he needs to start delivering on a consistent basis. If he can’t do that, then Emery needs to start looking at other options.“
The Road Ahead for Aston Villa
With the busy festive period approaching, Cash will need to regroup and refocus if he is to get his season back on track. Emery will also need to consider whether Cash is the right man for the job, or whether it’s time to give another player a chance.
As the season reaches its halfway point, Villa find themselves in a precarious position, just a few points above the relegation zone. With tough fixtures against Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea on the horizon, Emery will need to make some tough decisions if Villa are to start climbing the table.
As Gregg Evans, Aston Villa correspondent for The Athletic, noted, “Emery’s decision to play Cash on the right wing has been a tactical gamble that has yet to pay off. With the festive period approaching, Emery will need to reassess his options and make some tough decisions if Villa are to stay afloat in the Premier League.“
