On a basic level, Aston Villa have undoubtedly improved. Three wins from four games under Steven Gerrard have lifted them into the top ten and performances have been sharper, passing both the eye test and the data test as the Analyst provided a stats comparison.
The problem with attempting to decipher the reason for a ‘new manager bounce’ is that the tactical and psychological aspects of football are inextricably linked. An uptick in motivation and self-esteem invariably creates cohesion, shortening distances between players and increasing the intelligence of positional play and decision-making. The cause of this psychological improvement could simply be optimism at the dawn of a new era, or the new manager’s charisma.
On a basic level, Aston Villa have undoubtedly improved. Three wins from four games under Steven Gerrard has lifted them into the top ten and performances have been sharper, passing both the eye test and the data test as we highlight below.