Leaving It Late: Barca 3-1 Villareal

 THINGS WE LEARNT FROM BARCA'S 3-1 WIN OVER VILLAREAL

-Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: barcauniversal.com

Barcelona travelled to the Estadio De La Ceramica to take on Villareal in Xavi's third match as manager of the club, looking to continue their fine form. The game was won in the second half, with Barca netting thrice against the Yellow Submarine to capture all three points. Goals from Frenkie De Jong and Memphis Depay either side of an equalizer, followed by a Philippe Coutinho penalty ensured Barca's first win away from home. Here's what we made of it: 

1. FRENKIE'S BACK: Frenkie De Jong, long touted to be Barca's marquee midfielder, has endured a torrid last few weeks, with several lackluster performances. However, he put his doubters to rest with an excellent performance against Villareal. He was assured on the ball, and his attacking play was excellent. He should have had two assists in the first half, but Memphis Depay squandered the two chances. Three minutes into the second half, Frenkie De Jong broke the deadlock with a tap-in after Ez Abde's excellent work on the right wing. The Blaugrana faithful will pray that the Dutchman's form continues: Barca's midfield looks much more dangerous with De Jong in full flow. 

2. OLD FRAILTIES: Barca have long been a team who concede goals and look nervy in the final minutes of games, and the game against Villareal was no different. Barca's defense looked confused and chaotic past the 70th minute, and a bad throw-in lead to Samu Chukwueze's equalizer. There looked to be only one winner after that, with the home team piling on the pressure, and Barca's defence looked like they were about to concede, before snatching a lucky goal to put the game to bed. However, fortune will not always side with the Blaugrana, and if they keep giving away chances like this, they will be punished. Xavi needs to solve this problem, if Barca look to achieve top 4. 

3. XAVI'S BARCELONA: How different does this Barcelona side look to the one just two weeks ago? There is a definite style of play, intensity, pressing, and, most importantly, a purpose to win. The passing is forward and adventures, and Xavi looks to have finally put the wealth of creative talents at his disposal to full use. Further, his trust in the youngsters is paying off: Gavi and Nico had great games, and Abde constantly took his man on, creating the opener for Barcelona. Hope is finally back in Catalonia, and the Blaugrana faithful look eagerly forward to what Xavi can do once Ansu Fati, Pedri, and Martin Braithwaite are back from injury. 

4. NO. 9: For all their chance creation, Barca once again lacked finishing quality. Just as against Benfica, Barca missed several guilt-edged chances, especially in the first half. Ez Abde's header was palmed onto the crossbar, Pablo Gavi hit the post, and Memphis Depay was wasteful in front of goal, missing the goal entirely when he had only the keeper to beat. Xavi must be praying for a number 9 in January, but that looks unlikely, and Barca's finishing must improve if they have any hope of winning games.