Dean Smith wants Aston Villa to exploit the space on the wings to greater effect to secure favourable results after a difficult run in the Premier League, according to The Athletic.
The Villans have lost their last three fixtures to fall to 13th in the table after starting the month eighth. Villa had also conceded just seven goals in their opening six games, but have shipped eight in three since. Only Manchester United (10) have conceded more this month.
Goals have also been tough to create through October with just four scored in their three games so far. Netting their most recent strike in a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal last Friday in the 82nd-minute through substitute Jacob Ramsey.
Smith wants Aston Villa to work the channels more and better use their width to spark a change of fortunes. However, his players have so far failed to replicate the plans drawn up at the training ground during recent matches.
A particular problem has come through the Villans’ strikers, Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins, struggling to build a rapport. The pair have often occupied the same spaces on the pitch as they try and establish a relationship.
Smith would like to see Aston Villa stretch defences, with an emphasis on Watkins’ runs in behind creating space. But also with Ings’ movement catching opposition players’ attention and allowing his £75k-a-week attacking partner to get in behind.
Watkins and Ings unable to replicate Smith plans for Aston Villa attack
Ings and Watkins rarely demonstrated Smith’s vision during Aston Villa’s defeat at Arsenal last week. Particularly in the first-half, the Gunners were able to sniff out their attempts to connect, while Gabriel Magalhaes intercepted their best moment after the break. Stepping in after Watkins dug out a cross from the byline, looking for Ings waiting in the six-yard box.
Smith will hope his £28m and £25m strikers, Watkins and Ings, fare better when Aston Villa host West Ham United. The Hammers visit Birmingham on Sunday looking to extend a six-game unbeaten run over the Villans. Last losing to the Villa Park outfit back in May 2015.
Aston Villa could pose a different sort of threat to West Ham by exploiting the wings at the weekend. Of their shots allowed in the Premier League so far this season, 72% have come from the centre, per WhoScored. Only Chelsea (75%) have defended more in the middle.
West Ham have additionally defended just 14% of shots allowed from the left, the 14th-most, and 15% from the right, the 11th-most.
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