Premier League bosses are set to meet later this week, with the aim of formulating a plan to complete the season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
All elite football in the UK has been suspended since the middle of March, with the outbreak continuing to wreak havoc around the world.
Although a return for football appears low on the list of priorities at present, those in charge are keen for a way to ensure the campaign can come to a natural conclusion.
The solution that seems most realistic at present is games being played behind closed doors. The idea of 42,000 fans cramming into Villa Park seems an extremely distant one.
But not all parties would be happy with such a resolution. Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings recently outlined his main problem with playing in empty stadiums for the final weeks of their relegation battle.
“The Villa supporters, our relationship, is obviously massive,” Mings told talkSPORT.
“Historically the fans have always been important to the club. The games that we’ve played at home they’ve always drove us forward.
“I know it sounds cheesy but it really does make a massive difference when you’re playing in front of such a passionate crowd.
“I feel fortunate to be playing at Villa and playing in front of the fans at Villa Park.
“It’s probably one of the reasons why as players that we hope the matches aren’t played behind closed doors because the fans are such a big driver when you walk out of the stadium and you’ve got 42,000 fans roaring for you to succeed.
“Now’s a point where everybody is going to have to dig in and come together and its the only way we’re going to succeed come the end of the season.”
And Mings’ comments aren’t just empty platitudes, the facts back up his concern. In front of Villa’s passionate home crowd, Dean Smith’s side have picked up five of their seven Premier League wins.
From their 13 games played in B6, Villa have picked up 17 points at an average of 1.3 a game. Compare that to some of their relegation rivals and it’s clear to see why it could prove so vital in the battle against the drop.
Norwich (1.07), Bournemouth (1.21), Watford (1.21), West Ham (1.07), Brighton (1.28) and Southampton (0.93) all have a worse record in front of their own fans in comparison to Villa.
It’s not to say Villa’s home form is amazing, but it is better than everyone of their relegation rivals. With such tight margins involved, it’s the kind of thing that could mean the difference between survival and relegation.
With so much at stake, the season must be completed in the fairest way possible. If that means waiting until supporters can watch their beloved team, it’s a sacrifice the Premier League should be willing to take.
Tyrone Mings is right about Aston Villa - and the Premier League should listen - Birmingham Live
0 Comments: