Jacob Tanswell
@jacobtanswell.bsky.social
Aston Villa writer for The Athletic | #AVFC | Subscribe here: https://theathletic.com
Pinned
Ross Barkley interview: ‘I haven’t drunk since the summer. It created situations I don’t want anymore’
In a wide-ranging interview, Ross Barkley discusses the up and downs of his career from Everton to Villa and all in between
www.nytimes.com
Exclusive interview with Ross Barkley:
▪️Becoming teetotal
▪️Therapy
▪️A challenging upbringing
▪️Mental pressures and criticism
▪️Leaving Everton, Chelsea and frustrations
▪️Unai Emery’s “No bull***t”
➕More
@theathleticfc.bsky.social #AVFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
▪️Becoming teetotal
▪️Therapy
▪️A challenging upbringing
▪️Mental pressures and criticism
▪️Leaving Everton, Chelsea and frustrations
▪️Unai Emery’s “No bull***t”
➕More
@theathleticfc.bsky.social #AVFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Emery has hardened Morgan Rogers’ mentality.
“Morgan had just won young player of the year and the lads congratulated him. Then the manager gave him a quick clap and said, 'That's in the past' - I think that was after the first game of the season." #AVFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
“Morgan had just won young player of the year and the lads congratulated him. Then the manager gave him a quick clap and said, 'That's in the past' - I think that was after the first game of the season." #AVFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Dissecting Morgan Rogers’ stunning free kick: Perfect contact, a locked ankle, and Ronaldo-like dip
The Aston Villa player's match-winning strike was superbly executed and a result of a lot of training-ground work
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Emery has hardened Morgan Rogers’ mentality.
“Morgan had just won young player of the year and the lads congratulated him. Then the manager gave him a quick clap and said, 'That's in the past' - I think that was after the first game of the season." #AVFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
“Morgan had just won young player of the year and the lads congratulated him. Then the manager gave him a quick clap and said, 'That's in the past' - I think that was after the first game of the season." #AVFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Emery: "We are getting better in the table. Of course, my message is the same - we are not contenders to be in the top six, the top four. But in the last years, we fought fantastically to be there and now we want to do the same." #AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Emery: "We are getting better in the table. Of course, my message is the same - we are not contenders to be in the top six, the top four. But in the last years, we fought fantastically to be there and now we want to do the same." #AVFC
Asked Emery about Malen's sub. He had identified Leeds being 2v2 at the back & wanted Rogers in the first half to threaten in behind along with Watkins. Said Malen "is better" at doing this, so brought him on to really focus on capitalising on the space down the sides.#AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Asked Emery about Malen's sub. He had identified Leeds being 2v2 at the back & wanted Rogers in the first half to threaten in behind along with Watkins. Said Malen "is better" at doing this, so brought him on to really focus on capitalising on the space down the sides.#AVFC
Emery on Morgan Rogers: "Maybe he showed his hunger to score. Focusing as well on how he can get numbers to help the team.
"He's a player who can get numbers. He could double numbers scoring and with assists, and this year I think he will get again." #AVFC
"He's a player who can get numbers. He could double numbers scoring and with assists, and this year I think he will get again." #AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Emery on Morgan Rogers: "Maybe he showed his hunger to score. Focusing as well on how he can get numbers to help the team.
"He's a player who can get numbers. He could double numbers scoring and with assists, and this year I think he will get again." #AVFC
"He's a player who can get numbers. He could double numbers scoring and with assists, and this year I think he will get again." #AVFC
FT: Leeds 1-2 #AVFC
It's now nine wins in the last 11 games, with the latest a huge test of will. 2nd best in the 1st half, but adjusted to conditions better with smart tactical changes. Then you just hope to have individual quality to win it - Rogers & Martinez duly delivered.
It's now nine wins in the last 11 games, with the latest a huge test of will. 2nd best in the 1st half, but adjusted to conditions better with smart tactical changes. Then you just hope to have individual quality to win it - Rogers & Martinez duly delivered.
November 23, 2025 at 3:59 PM
FT: Leeds 1-2 #AVFC
It's now nine wins in the last 11 games, with the latest a huge test of will. 2nd best in the 1st half, but adjusted to conditions better with smart tactical changes. Then you just hope to have individual quality to win it - Rogers & Martinez duly delivered.
It's now nine wins in the last 11 games, with the latest a huge test of will. 2nd best in the 1st half, but adjusted to conditions better with smart tactical changes. Then you just hope to have individual quality to win it - Rogers & Martinez duly delivered.
Lamare Bogarde is coming on to close the game out. Replaces Youri Tielemans.
November 23, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Lamare Bogarde is coming on to close the game out. Replaces Youri Tielemans.
Leeds have the ball in the net but VAR intervenes due to a Calvert-Lewin handball...
Fine margins now going in #AVFC's favour. Still 2-1.
Fine margins now going in #AVFC's favour. Still 2-1.
November 23, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Leeds have the ball in the net but VAR intervenes due to a Calvert-Lewin handball...
Fine margins now going in #AVFC's favour. Still 2-1.
Fine margins now going in #AVFC's favour. Still 2-1.
Two knuckle-ball free-kicks in as many games - Had a feeling...
Rogers goes over to celebrate with MacPhee. Huge goal and Elland Road is deflated. 2-1 #AVFC
Rogers goes over to celebrate with MacPhee. Huge goal and Elland Road is deflated. 2-1 #AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Two knuckle-ball free-kicks in as many games - Had a feeling...
Rogers goes over to celebrate with MacPhee. Huge goal and Elland Road is deflated. 2-1 #AVFC
Rogers goes over to celebrate with MacPhee. Huge goal and Elland Road is deflated. 2-1 #AVFC
A random fan has just walked past Villa's dugout, with no one noticing, and towards Farke, but was luckily stopped. Bizarre, how he just walked casually on.
Leeds fans begging for a sub and have got their wish. They think there is three points here. #AVFC
Leeds fans begging for a sub and have got their wish. They think there is three points here. #AVFC
A random fan has just walked past Villa's dugout, with no one noticing, and towards Farke, but was luckily stopped. Bizarre, how he just walked casually on.
Leeds fans begging for a sub and have got their wish. They think there is three points here. #AVFC
Leeds fans begging for a sub and have got their wish. They think there is three points here. #AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
A random fan has just walked past Villa's dugout, with no one noticing, and towards Farke, but was luckily stopped. Bizarre, how he just walked casually on.
Leeds fans begging for a sub and have got their wish. They think there is three points here. #AVFC
Leeds fans begging for a sub and have got their wish. They think there is three points here. #AVFC
A random fan has just walked past Villa's dugout, with no one noticing, and towards Farke, but was luckily stopped. Bizarre, how he just walked casually on.
Leeds fans begging for a sub and have got their wish. They think there is three points here. #AVFC
Leeds fans begging for a sub and have got their wish. They think there is three points here. #AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 3:29 PM
A random fan has just walked past Villa's dugout, with no one noticing, and towards Farke, but was luckily stopped. Bizarre, how he just walked casually on.
Leeds fans begging for a sub and have got their wish. They think there is three points here. #AVFC
Leeds fans begging for a sub and have got their wish. They think there is three points here. #AVFC
Konsa very vocal. Instructing where he wants Watkins, who is still hanging out to the left against Rodon, to run. Watkins started better in this half, but you're looking to him, Malen and Rogers to make the big difference,now.
It's a difficult, slippery pitch to defend 1v1.#AVFC
It's a difficult, slippery pitch to defend 1v1.#AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Konsa very vocal. Instructing where he wants Watkins, who is still hanging out to the left against Rodon, to run. Watkins started better in this half, but you're looking to him, Malen and Rogers to make the big difference,now.
It's a difficult, slippery pitch to defend 1v1.#AVFC
It's a difficult, slippery pitch to defend 1v1.#AVFC
The 2v2 up front was there in the first half... but with Malen now on, it is even more pronounced.
But #AVFC are still vulnerable. Emery screaming at his defence after Longstaff's shot and almost slips over in the process
But #AVFC are still vulnerable. Emery screaming at his defence after Longstaff's shot and almost slips over in the process
November 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
The 2v2 up front was there in the first half... but with Malen now on, it is even more pronounced.
But #AVFC are still vulnerable. Emery screaming at his defence after Longstaff's shot and almost slips over in the process
But #AVFC are still vulnerable. Emery screaming at his defence after Longstaff's shot and almost slips over in the process
Instant impact from Malen. He always comes on and wants to impact the game. Cash pulls the ball back to Malen and his low cross is turned in by Rogers.
A brilliant sub option and Emery's changes have worked inside two and a half minutes. #AVFC
A brilliant sub option and Emery's changes have worked inside two and a half minutes. #AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Instant impact from Malen. He always comes on and wants to impact the game. Cash pulls the ball back to Malen and his low cross is turned in by Rogers.
A brilliant sub option and Emery's changes have worked inside two and a half minutes. #AVFC
A brilliant sub option and Emery's changes have worked inside two and a half minutes. #AVFC
Malen is back in the second striker role, as he did very well against Burnley.
McGinn off the right and Rogers on the left, as Emery switches to 4-2-2-2. #AVFC
McGinn off the right and Rogers on the left, as Emery switches to 4-2-2-2. #AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Malen is back in the second striker role, as he did very well against Burnley.
McGinn off the right and Rogers on the left, as Emery switches to 4-2-2-2. #AVFC
McGinn off the right and Rogers on the left, as Emery switches to 4-2-2-2. #AVFC
HT: Leeds 1-0 #AVFC
Leeds not used to losing here and Villa knew what to expect. Conditions not conducive for quick passing but losing too many battles & drawn into the scrappy, aggressive game Leeds are better at. Improved at the end, but need to impose how Villa want to play
Leeds not used to losing here and Villa knew what to expect. Conditions not conducive for quick passing but losing too many battles & drawn into the scrappy, aggressive game Leeds are better at. Improved at the end, but need to impose how Villa want to play
November 23, 2025 at 2:51 PM
HT: Leeds 1-0 #AVFC
Leeds not used to losing here and Villa knew what to expect. Conditions not conducive for quick passing but losing too many battles & drawn into the scrappy, aggressive game Leeds are better at. Improved at the end, but need to impose how Villa want to play
Leeds not used to losing here and Villa knew what to expect. Conditions not conducive for quick passing but losing too many battles & drawn into the scrappy, aggressive game Leeds are better at. Improved at the end, but need to impose how Villa want to play
The pitch is slow because of the rain. #AVFC trying to play out from the back, but passes are not getting there quickly enough and it's keeping Elland Road up and encouraging Leeds to press. Have to find a way to get the out-ball to full-backs or the 2v2 up top
November 23, 2025 at 2:25 PM
The pitch is slow because of the rain. #AVFC trying to play out from the back, but passes are not getting there quickly enough and it's keeping Elland Road up and encouraging Leeds to press. Have to find a way to get the out-ball to full-backs or the 2v2 up top
Both Leeds full-backs going very high and the opposite centre-back is sending diagonal passes over Villa's defence.
Emery has recognised it and asked McGinn and Buendia to track back, forming a back six at times. #AVFC
Emery has recognised it and asked McGinn and Buendia to track back, forming a back six at times. #AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Both Leeds full-backs going very high and the opposite centre-back is sending diagonal passes over Villa's defence.
Emery has recognised it and asked McGinn and Buendia to track back, forming a back six at times. #AVFC
Emery has recognised it and asked McGinn and Buendia to track back, forming a back six at times. #AVFC
Goal given. 1-0 Leeds. Nmecha.
A few offside checks but goal stands. #AVFC don't deal with the first phase of the free-kick and Martinez is passive when trying to claim.
A few offside checks but goal stands. #AVFC don't deal with the first phase of the free-kick and Martinez is passive when trying to claim.
November 23, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Goal given. 1-0 Leeds. Nmecha.
A few offside checks but goal stands. #AVFC don't deal with the first phase of the free-kick and Martinez is passive when trying to claim.
A few offside checks but goal stands. #AVFC don't deal with the first phase of the free-kick and Martinez is passive when trying to claim.
VAR checking possible offside after Nmecha turns the ball into the net. Martinez wanted a foul but looked soft, but they are checking the initial offside from the free-kick.
#AVFC
#AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 2:09 PM
VAR checking possible offside after Nmecha turns the ball into the net. Martinez wanted a foul but looked soft, but they are checking the initial offside from the free-kick.
#AVFC
#AVFC
Leeds centre-backs 2v2 against Rogers and Watkins. Buendia going inside (Bogle follows) so Watkins is hanging wide and Rodon is following him quite a way out.
2v2 on a wet, difficult pitch is quite interesting. #AVFC want to control the game but can't be passive with it
2v2 on a wet, difficult pitch is quite interesting. #AVFC want to control the game but can't be passive with it
November 23, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Leeds centre-backs 2v2 against Rogers and Watkins. Buendia going inside (Bogle follows) so Watkins is hanging wide and Rodon is following him quite a way out.
2v2 on a wet, difficult pitch is quite interesting. #AVFC want to control the game but can't be passive with it
2v2 on a wet, difficult pitch is quite interesting. #AVFC want to control the game but can't be passive with it
Teams are out. Shame Onana isn't able to build on his good form but does struggle with availability, especially when balancing club & intl duty. His height may have been quite important against a tall Leeds side
But eh, Youri Tielemans is back, which is usually a joy. #AVFC
But eh, Youri Tielemans is back, which is usually a joy. #AVFC
November 23, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Teams are out. Shame Onana isn't able to build on his good form but does struggle with availability, especially when balancing club & intl duty. His height may have been quite important against a tall Leeds side
But eh, Youri Tielemans is back, which is usually a joy. #AVFC
But eh, Youri Tielemans is back, which is usually a joy. #AVFC
#AVFC are unbeaten in all 17 of their Premier League games vs promoted sides under Emery (W13 D4). While he says he “never feels favourites” in any game,Villa need to back up the recent good run in these type of matches. Have to match Leeds’ intensity & show threat going forward
November 23, 2025 at 12:59 PM
#AVFC are unbeaten in all 17 of their Premier League games vs promoted sides under Emery (W13 D4). While he says he “never feels favourites” in any game,Villa need to back up the recent good run in these type of matches. Have to match Leeds’ intensity & show threat going forward
Picked George Hemmings out at the start of the season as #AVFC's leading young talent. First-team players were struck by Hemmings’ ability and how composed, press-resistant and positionally aware he was.
Piece on him and his story so far here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
Piece on him and his story so far here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
Picking Aston Villa’s breakthrough player for 2025-26: George Hemmings
Hemmings is a name known across youth football circles in the UK — the midfielder has already appeared for Villa's first team in pre-season
www.nytimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Picked George Hemmings out at the start of the season as #AVFC's leading young talent. First-team players were struck by Hemmings’ ability and how composed, press-resistant and positionally aware he was.
Piece on him and his story so far here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
Piece on him and his story so far here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...
#AVFC XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
One change from Bournemouth win. Tielemans returns in place of Onana, who is injured and doesn't make squad. George Hemmings takes midfield spot on the bench. Still no Harvey Elliott
One change from Bournemouth win. Tielemans returns in place of Onana, who is injured and doesn't make squad. George Hemmings takes midfield spot on the bench. Still no Harvey Elliott
November 23, 2025 at 12:45 PM
#AVFC XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
One change from Bournemouth win. Tielemans returns in place of Onana, who is injured and doesn't make squad. George Hemmings takes midfield spot on the bench. Still no Harvey Elliott
One change from Bournemouth win. Tielemans returns in place of Onana, who is injured and doesn't make squad. George Hemmings takes midfield spot on the bench. Still no Harvey Elliott