Analysis: Result the most important stat
- Published
It was not a classic performance from Unai Emery's Aston Villa.
They struggled to create serious openings and again relied on the spectacular to get them over the line.
They have scored 56% of their Premier League goals [nine out of 16] from outside the box this season, an eye-catching stat which could cause problems.
It is one which could ultimately undermine them in the long run if and when the goals dry up.
It was another blank from Ollie Watkins, after he was dropped and came off the bench, and while Donyell Malen has eight in his last 14 for club and country Villa do not have a reliable goalscorer.
Yet they are fourth in the Premier League, belying the stats which have them second bottom of Opta's 'expected' table.
Emery remains Villa's biggest weapon, his ability to eek out every last drop from his side was evident again on Sunday and Villa fans will not care where the goals come from. They are riding high and only the result matters.