Copyright mirror
No sooner had Jadon Sancho been taken off the pitch during the Man City match than a flurry of comments flooded social media, suggesting the winger should feel embarrassed or that his career had reached a new nadir. Sadly, these extreme reactions were to be expected. Many outsiders were also prematurely anticipating a failed loan spell for Marcus Rashford months before it even kicked off. A dream transfer to Barcelona was next for forward, whose resurgence in form - thanks to his stint at Villa - can only enhance England's prospects of winning the World Cup next year. At present, Sancho is not at the same fitness level as Rashford was when he signed with Villa back in February, but this is a season-long loan. The 25-year-old still has ample time to demonstrate his worth. A quick scroll of social media indicates that Sancho has more than just Emery to impress. However, it's crucial he maintains a laser-like focus, like Rashford, concentrating on the task at hand and disregarding external pressures. Sancho had a chat with Rashford last season, with the former Villa loanee expressing his delight at finding himself again at a club willing to offer the platform he needed. Sancho's situation mirrors this closely, and he will be scrutinised intensely during his tenure at Villa - a fact not uncommon for any Manchester United player or one who has previously commanded a hefty transfer fee. Frankly, it's part and parcel of the job. Some things, however, need perspective - Sancho’s performance against City is one of them. Sancho was called into action in the 29th minute, replacing Emi Buendia who had suffered a foot injury shortly after setting up Matty Cash's goal. Operating from the left flank in his fifth loan appearance for Villa, Sancho nearly got on the scoresheet in the second half. A well-timed run onto Boubacar Kamara's lofted pass saw him leave Matheus Nunes trailing in his wake, before forcing a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian shot-stopper was again called into action to deny the rebound. Just four minutes after almost doubling Villa's lead, Sancho made way for Evann Guessand, whose work rate off the ball was required at that stage of the match. Despite Sancho being brought on earlier than expected due to Buendia's injury, Unai Emery , like all top managers, prioritised the team's needs and made the necessary changes to secure victory. Guessand came on, along with Ross Barkley who replaced John McGinn. Both substitutes performed admirably, easing pressure on the defence and fulfilling their roles - much like Sancho did during his 45-minute stint. Naturally, no player wants to be subbed off after coming on as a substitute, but Emery's intention was always to give Sancho some game time. It just so happened that his introduction came sooner than planned. In fact, there have been nine other occasions when Emery has 'subbed the sub', with Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey, Moussa Diaby, and Buendia among them. Did anyone really bat an eyelid when those substitutions were made? Villa beat Man City at home for a third successive season. Sancho played his part, is looking sharper and fitter, yet the narrative was predictably polarising - yearning for an instant reaction before Emery had even shaken Guardiola's hand or spoken at the press conference. Asked about the substitution, Emery said: "It was not easy, firstly, after Sancho played 60 minutes against Go Ahead. He is getting fit, but not enough. "I planned as well with him to play him in the second half, but after the injury to Buendia, I decided to get him on the field as best as possible to get minutes and fitness, using his skills and qualities. "His impact was good, but I knew before that it was my plan was to sub him, and I did it before with Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia. "It was not a punishment, it was a plan - he played 45 minutes. The other sub players were ready. Malen, Maatsen and Barkley were all very good." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
