On May 27, 2019, Aston Villa faced Derby County in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium. Aston Villa secured a 2-1 victory, earning promotion to the Premier League.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Aston Villa: 2 (Anwar El Ghazi 44′, John McGinn 59′)
- Derby County: 1 (Martyn Waghorn 81′)
- Possession:
- Aston Villa had 53% possession, while Derby County had 47%. Villa’s ability to control the ball allowed them to create more opportunities and manage the game’s tempo effectively.
- Shots:
- Aston Villa registered 12 shots, with 4 on target, demonstrating their attacking intent and efficiency. Derby County had 10 shots, with 2 on target, indicating their struggle to convert chances into goals.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Aston Villa displayed a passing accuracy of 77%, completing 323 passes out of 421 attempts. Derby had a passing accuracy of 73%, completing 290 passes out of 398 attempts. Villa’s better ball retention and distribution were key to their control and dominance in the match.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Aston Villa made 20 tackles compared to Derby’s 18, reflecting the competitive nature of the match. Both teams committed 13 fouls, showing the physical intensity of the game.
- Set Pieces:
- Aston Villa’s first goal came from open play, with Anwar El Ghazi scoring just before halftime. The second goal resulted from a goalkeeping error, which John McGinn capitalized on. Derby’s goal also came from open play, with Martyn Waghorn scoring late in the match.
- Individual Performances:
- Anwar El Ghazi was a standout player for Aston Villa, scoring the opening goal and consistently threatening Derby’s defense. John McGinn’s goal, benefiting from a goalkeeping error, was crucial in extending Villa’s lead. For Derby, Martyn Waghorn provided a late goal to give his team hope, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
- Tactical Overview:
- Aston Villa employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on maintaining possession, controlling the midfield, and utilizing the pace and creativity of their forwards. Derby County used a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to be solid defensively and counter-attack quickly. Villa’s tactical discipline and ability to capitalize on key moments were decisive in their victory.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, two for each team: Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings (37′) and John McGinn (66′), and Derby County’s Jayden Bogle (43′) and Mason Bennett (88′). These fouls were mostly tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing the opposition from gaining momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Aston Villa won 4 corners compared to Derby’s 5, indicating balanced opportunities from set-piece situations. Both teams were caught offside twice, reflecting disciplined defensive lines and calculated attacking movements.
Summary
Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory over Derby County in the Championship play-off final was marked by a combination of tactical discipline, key individual performances, and effective game management. Anwar El Ghazi’s goal just before halftime set the tone, and John McGinn’s goal, taking advantage of a goalkeeping error, extended their lead.
Despite a late goal from Martyn Waghorn giving Derby hope, Villa’s defense held firm to secure the win. The victory earned Aston Villa promotion to the Premier League, highlighting their quality and resilience in high-pressure situations. Derby County, despite their efforts and moments of promise, were unable to overcome Villa’s organized and determined performance.
