Villarreal 2-2 Atalanta

I had a post in the drafts about this first matchday, basically previewing a few games that I'd bookmarked. The two on Tuesday (aka today) were Sevilla 1-1 Salzburg and this one. Both games featured a Spanish team, saw a man sent off, and ended in a draw. Focus will be on this one in particular, since I'm not drawing too much from the other, and Atalanta is one of the teams I'm writing about regularly at this point.

Starting with the team news, I actually was feeling more confident in my pick of a narrow Villarreal win. Rulli started, which is a let off as Asenjo is superior, but aside from that it was what is their best lineup. Pedraza and Pino providing width, back three in essence of Torres Albiol Foyth, Trigueros given freedom to roam with Parejo and Capoue holding down central midfield. Demiral didn't start, which isn't a huge surprise, but I figured Villarreal would score at least once. Zappacosta was in for Maehle as well, which didn't fill me with confidence. I figured it would be the usual double pivot with Malinovsky and Pessina ahead, and was right there.

The possession was just about even. Freuler scored early and I felt the team took the foot of the gas, so to speak. Villarreal seemed to have more of the ball until their equalizer, which was deserved. What I'll say about this game was both teams wanted to attack, but also were afraid to lose. Part of that is probably down to it being the first game, plus the fact that Young Boys beat Man Utd. I don't think you can discount that aspect, knowing a loss would put you in a bad spot after just one game.

Between 60 and 70 minutes there was a flurry of subs, starting with 3 for Villarreal and then Demiral coming on. The only real chance in that period was a Gerard shot that he should've done better with. The goal from Danjuma reminds me of the average goal in modern football. Team tries to play out from the back, someone dwells on the ball (Freuler), opponent makes tackle and one or two passes leads to a shot (and goal, in this case). Almost like the goal he scored against Atleti. The equalizer was rather scrappy as well. Villarreal sitting deep, everyone in/around the box, switch of play, cross in which is flicked by Ilicic, Gosens is there to collect and slot home.

My takeaway: still not impressed with the team. Sure, Muriel is still injured, Demiral (and possibly Lovato) is yet to settle in defense, and Koopmeiners in the midfield. But at the same time, it just looks disjointed. The chance creation has been abysmal. Lot of shots from distance, little action in the box, guys not on the same page when it matters. Today, for instance, Atalanta had 4 shots in the box and Villarreal had 10.

The next game is Salernitana, effectively a Serie B team. They'll park the bus and it's up to Atalanta to break them down. After that is Sassuolo, another midweek fixture, and then Inter at San Siro. On the one hand, when a team's out of form, not having time to train can continue those woes. On the other, you can play yourself into form. The Fiorentina game wasn't horrible, unlike the rest so far, and a couple bounces/decisions turned it from a win to a loss. There's going to be either one result of this or another; another season of starting like they've not played together before steamrolling teams like usual, or the end of the best period in the club's history and a return to midtable mediocrity. Technically, a bit of both could happen, and it could be a 5th or 6th situation, or god forbid 7th and the freaking conference. If I were to pick a top four today, based on what I've seen, it would be (no particular order) Inter, Milan, Napoli, Roma. Lazio aren't gonna do it, and I'm pretty sure Fiorentina are a step or two away. That leaves Atalanta and Juve as the other contenders. Out of the four I listed, Roma are the weakest, but they have the best coach. Allegri and Gasperini are up there with Mourinho, and I'd be shocked if at least one doesn't end up top four.