Alan Hutton: Aston Villa consistency key in recent success
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton believes that consistency in selection and formation helped Aston Villa as Steven Gerrard’s side picked up a 1-0 win against Southampton.
Gerrard only made one change to his starting lineup against the Saints, with Phillippe Coutinho coming in for Douglas Luiz.
Hutton feels that making minimal changes will benefit Villa going forward into their next run of Premier League fixtures.
“That’s the thing for me, will it be formation or players coming in and out, it looked a little bit unsettled,” Hutton exclusively told Villa News.
“I think the best thing for the team moving forward is trying to get that consistent run of games where it is the same people.
“Of course, you are going to have to make the odd change here or there depending on injuries but it’s having that settled unit to work on and go and put on performances.
“They’ve done that as you could see against Manchester City so there is no reason to go and make big changes there’s enough ability within that lineup to go and win games.
“If they can remain defensively solid like they have done the last couple of games, then that is obviously good moving forward.”
Villa make the trip to Leeds United in their next Premier League fixture looking to replicate their 3-0 win from the 2021/22 season.
Gerrard could have new signing Jan Bednarek available for the trip to Yorkshire after he was unable to face his parent club Southampton in Villa’s previous Premier League fixture.
In other Aston Villa news, Villa Park is among the favourites to be named as a Euro 2028 venue