Aston Villa Champions League hopes hang in the balance as Unai Emery sweats over Lucas Digne scan
It wasn’t the Boxing Day that most Aston Villa supporters had hoped for as Unai Emery’s side were unable to hold on to a 2-0 lead against Manchester United, ultimately losing 3-2.
First-half goals from John McGinn and Leander Dendoncker gave Villa the upper hand at Old Trafford before a second-half brace from Alejandro Garnacho and a first Premier League goal for Rasmus Hojlund completed the turnaround.
While the result alone was incredibly disappointing, the misery was compounded after Lucas Digne was forced off early in the first half which could see him sidelined for an extended period.
According to the Express & Star (27 December), the French fullback is set to undergo a scan on Wednesday following a hamstring injury during the clash with Manchester United, when he slid into the net attempting to block an effort from Garnacho.
Throughout the Premier League season, Digne has started all bar one of Aston Villa’s 19 games this season and he has been integral to the early success that Emery’s side have had domestically.
During his 50 minutes of action on Boxing Day, the 30-year-old won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, found a teammate with two crosses and even managed to create a chance in the contest in a positive attacking display [Fotmob].
Few defenders in the Premier League have been as creative in the final third as the Aston Villa fullback this season. Digne sits in the 94th percentile of the division’s full-backs for crosses attempted per game, averaging 6.66 per 90 minutes [Fbref].
More often than not these balls into the penalty area carry with them a serious goal threat as well. Digne averages more shot-creating actions per match than 86 per cent of left-backs in the Premier League and he is a crucial part of Aston Villa’s creative work in possession.
For his 18 Premier League appearances this season, the 30-year-old has only managed to pick up two assists, but his work has been deserving of more goal involvement.
When compared to his positional peers in the Premier League, Digne places in the 90th percentile for expected assists per game, despite faltering in the 69th percentile for assists per 90 minutes.
Fortunately, Alex Moreno was a more than able deputy at Old Trafford, creating two chances for his teammates after he replaced Digne. However, he wasn’t as impressive out of possession only winning 50 per cent of his duels.
In his only start in the league this season against Brentford, Moreno only won three of his twelve duels in the contest and he didn’t attempt a single tackle. He may well be able to replace Digne’s impact going forward, but he hasn’t always been the strongest out of possession.
Villa need to get back to winning ways against Burnley, but if Digne is ruled out for an extended period following this scan, it could be a huge dent in their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League this season.
Aston Villa have had some torrid luck so far this season with injuries and hopefully, the Frenchman won’t be the latest player ruled out, otherwise, it could be a tough few months for Emery’s men.
In other Aston Villa news, Calum Chambers’ career at Villa Park is likely over after Emery’s latest snub in the last few days
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