Basel bench furious vs Aston Villa after what Andy Townsend noticed in Evann Guessand goal
Evann Guessand gave Aston Villa the lead in the first half against Basel on Thursday.
Villa have travelled to face Basel in the Europa League and have taken a 1-0 lead into the interval at St.Jakob Park.
After Guessand scored against Go Ahead Eagles, he did the same once again on the continent with a strike against the Swiss outfit.
Unai Emery’s side have largely had things go their own way, but have conceded chances just as they did when Villa beat Arsenal last time around.
The Villans may have only netted one, but the strike from Guessand caught the eye of Andy Townsend, but not for the right reasons.
Basel staff fuming after Evann Guessand goal
Guessand has struggled for Villa this season, but has still managed to net two goals and start every European game for the claret and blue outfit.
His first Villa strike was massively scrappy as he somehow converted a loose ball in the least aesthetic fashion in the Netherlands.
The Ivory Coast international scored yet another scrappy one away in Basel as what looked like a sliding tackle appeared to find the net.
The summer signing won’t care how it goes in, but speaking on TNT Sports, Townsend suggested that the home side’s bench will be raging with goalkeeper Marwin Hitz.
The former Villa man said: “It’s a clever finish from Evann Guessand, it really is. There’s a lot of traffic in and around him. Shaqiri gets it stuck under his feet and hits a teammate on the way out.
“I think the keeper’s got to do a lot better, honestly. I know it crawls into the corner, but that’s one you don’t want to see hit the net. Everyone on the Basel bench will be saying, ‘Where’s the goalkeeper? Why hasn’t he got something on that?’
“It’s a really smart turn and hit from Evann Guessand, great goal.“
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Guessand has been shocking for Aston Villa vs Basel
He may have scored the opener, but the Ivorian has arguably been one of the worst players on the pitch for either side.
Guessand had an opportunity to cross completely unopposed mid-way through the half and managed to lump it out for a throw-in on the opposite side.
His zero per cent cross accuracy sums up his game, even if stats like one shot, one goal and two defensive contributions don’t.
The right-sided winger has also failed to complete a single dribble on the night as he seems scared to actually take on a man without giving away a foul.
Guessand has been saved by a scrappy goal, a rare silver lining on yet another frustrating performance from the forward.
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