When Aston Villa played Bournemouth on the first weekend of the first weekend of the season, Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker were in the respective dugouts. The Cherries were comfortable winners that day at Dean Court, but much has changed since then. The two former England midfielders have gone, replaced by Unai Emery and Gary O’Neil. Villa languished under Gerrard, but O’Neil knows they are a much different side, particularly in defence, from that August clash. He has been impressed by Emery’s work so far and is expecting a tough encounter.
Gary O Neil said: “They’re very different now from what they were then. The form under Unai Emery has been very, very good. I think since he’s taken charge they’re right at the top part of the league, points-wise. Very well organised defensively, they play some good football. They have some good players. They have a threat in behind with Watkins and [Leon] Bailey. They’re a good side. It’s no surprise they’ve been on a decent run. It will be another very, very tough game for us. It’s difficult to win football matches in the Premier League. We’re in a good spot but to go back-to-back would be big, especially going into a little break.”
