Jacob Tanswell

This April, I'm running the Brighton Marathon in support of Alzheimer's Society and my best friend. January is a tricky month, so please don't worry if you can't donate,but the link is below if you are kindly able to or just want to learn more. Thanks! 🔗…26brightonmarathonweekend.enthuse.com/pf/jacob-tansw…

Emery on Martinez: "I remember last year against Brugge, he did the pass to Rashford when we provoked the red card. He has this long pass when he's playing focused like today. I think he can help us a lot, not only saving us but also playing the ball in combination." #AVFC

Emery: "I am happy with how we performed over two matches. Being organised, respecting the opponent, not so brilliant in those two matches but consistent - defending well and when we had our momentum, we were ruthless." #AVFC

Martinez's pass was unbelievable. The few seconds of euphoria from team-mates - when no one really knew how to celebrate - was a testament to how good it was. Rogers ran straight for him as soon as the ball hit the net. The technique, the top spin, the weight... wow #AVFC

FT: #AVFC 2-0 Lille (3-0 agg) Villa through to the quarter-finals. Game really changed through Martinez. Before his pass to Sancho, Villa Park had grown nervy & players were retreating. His excellence, Villa scoring on the break (finally) renewed confidence & made things easy.

GOALLL BAILEYY Watkins unselfish by squaring the ball 2-0 #AVFC (3-0 on aggregate)

Sancho comes off for Bailey, while Rogers is replaced by Elliott. #AVFC

I hear my article has been mentioned on the commentary. And yes, it's about Demi Lovato and John McGinn. As shown by one tonight, it's about two entertainers who can get the crowd on their feet... #AVFC nytimes.com/athletic/71220…

Matty Cash and Emi Buendia replace Lamare Bogarde and John McGinn. #AVFC

Sancho strikes the post after a terrific pass from Douglas Luiz. Front four playing with more freedom since the goal which came at a great time, really. And #AVFC largely have Martinez to thank

Rogers better tonight in driving #AVFC upfield and finding better pockets of space. He finds Watkins, who does well but can't pull the back back for a team-mate. Lille starting to open up, so Rogers/Watkins should be afforded more space

Abraham off. #AVFC

Ollie Watkins is coming on. #AVFC

Out of nowhere but so needed.Villa two up on aggregate. Martinez celebrates like it is his goal. He saves from a free kick before launching a long pass expertly to Sancho who does well, steadying himself before teeing up McGinn to finish. #AVFC do take advantage of a break away!

GOALLL MCGINNN 1-0 #AVFC

Jadon Sancho just ran the ball out under no pressure. #AVFC's inability to create from promising positions/breaks continues. They are retreating and Villa Park is nervy.

Lille are man-to-man in certain situations, so #AVFC have been a lot keener to play straight into Abraham. Visitors happy to take this game deep and Villa can't really afford to be stuck in the halfway house of wanting a 2nd but protecting a lead, too and in the end doing neither

Best Villa chance came from Onana's header from an inswinging corner, where they also look dangerous. Lille better organised than first leg and will want to take the game deep, but #AVFC are the more accomplished side.

HT: #AVFC 0-0 Lille Emery will believe Villa largely in control - Lille's play is in front of them, his shape adapted for their back five. Villa a threat when they turn the ball over in midfield and have to attack quickly, but they can certainly step it up & be more incisive.

Not saying it has been a placid affair, but one of the more notable cheers was when a paper aeroplane landed on the pitch... #AVFC

@JB_2024 Villa at their best when they turn it over in midfield, almost like they're forced to attack quickly

@J_Tanswell Feels like every team comes with a similar plan. We need to do something different it feels. It’s why we seem so placid and easy to play against currently.

Lille's three CBs, although they jump on McGinn/Rogers and leave Abraham 1v1, look a lot more secure than they did in the first leg, where #AVFC broke into final third plenty of times, but failed to do much. Villa's quality again letting them down so far, but Lille decently setup