AdminSean Dyche was left baffled by Aston Villa’s approach during their clash with Brentford, as Unai Emery’s side made a costly mistake in the opening stages at Villa Park.
Villa entered Saturday’s encounter knowing they faced a difficult challenge against Keith Andrews’ men, who have built a reputation for their aggressive pressing and direct style of play.
Emery had lost all three of his previous meetings with the Brentford manager, and the early stages suggested another frustrating afternoon could be on the cards.
The visitors took the lead in the 10th minute when Yehor Yarmoliuk fired home after Igor Thiago dispossessed Tyrone Mings, who struggled to cope with the pressure while attempting to play out from the back.
The goal left former Everton manager Dyche questioning Emery’s tactical instructions.
Speaking via talkSPORT on Saturday, the ex-Everton boss said: “I am absolutely stunned. I’m a big fan of Unai Emery and what he’s done here but, I can’t believe what I’m seeing.
“Brentford are known as a high-press side. They’ve got into a good place, play good statistical football, get it in the box, it drops and he lashes it in.”
Villa continued to pursue Emery’s preferred approach despite the warning signs.
Mings struggled in possession, misplacing 11 passes and completing just one of six attempted long balls. Victor Lindelof also struggled, recording a 33 per cent success rate in the same area.
Dyche’s criticism highlights the risks of insisting on building from the back against opponents capable of punishing mistakes.
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