Stan Collymore really worried about Aston Villa star after scenes v PSG
Aston Villa have been under pressure in the second half against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), with Stan Collymore raising a worrying concern.
Parc des Princes hosted Unai Emery’s team in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with the game level at the break after Morgan Rogers and Desire Doue scored.
The Villains quickly found themselves behind after half-time, though, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scoring a stunning goal in the 49th minute.
Axel Disasi replaced Matty Cash after the break, but the move seems to have backfired for the visitors.
Disasi isolation against PSG a concern for Villa
While the Lions managed to keep the hosts relatively quiet in the opening 45 minutes, their defensive fragilities have been on show in the second half.
Disasi’s isolation on the right-hand side of the Lions’ defence is a concern for Emery’s team, Satn Collymore says.
The ex-Villan feels sorry for the 27-year-old French centre-back playing out of position and wants to see his teammates help him.
Collymore wrote on his X (9 April): “Concerned about Disasi isolated down PSG left now. Hard enough when you’re a native right-back, but when you’re six foot odd and have to move your feet in microseconds, then it’s a long old half. Someone has to get back to help him double up.”
Concerned about Disasi isolated down PSG left now. Hard enough when you're a native right babk, but when you're 6 foot odd and have to move your feet in microseconds then it's a long old half.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) April 9, 2025
Someone has to get back to help him double up.
Emery will want more from players in dying minutes v PSG
Emery made some tough calls at Villa, leaving the likes of Ollie Watkins and Marco Asencio on the bench in one of the host’s biggest matches.
While Cash had a difficult first half against PSG and was substituted after the break, he can’t be blamed as he had to keep Kvaratskhelia quiet.
The Lions have had an impressive group-stage campaign and were fortunate to get Club Brugge in the last 16, but the Ligue 1 outfit pose a significant threat.
Villa aren’t the favourites to win the Champions League, but fans will be confident of making it further in the competition.
| Competition | Appearances |
| Premier League | 6 |
| Champions League | 3 |
The Villans have had a topsy-turvy Premier League season, as they sit outside the top four, two points behind Chelsea.
Emery’s team may still have some hope, as a fifth-place finish will guarantee a place in the Champions League for the upcoming campaign.
The Lions still have the second leg in England and can’t take their foot off the gas, with the fixture at Villa Park on 15 April pivotal.
Disasi needs to endure the final minutes, and Emery needs to ensure the scoreline doesn’t get worse for the Villans in hopes of getting an equaliser.