‘I was worried’ - Unai Emery gives Boubacar Kamara update after premature substitution v Chelsea

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has confirmed he substituted Boubacar Kamara for tactical reasons in the 2-0 win over Chelsea, rather than due to a fresh injury. Speaking to the media post-match, the Villa head coach gave an open explanation for the decision to take Kamara off at half time.

The Villans moved into the top half of the Premier League table for the first time under Emery, despite not seeing much possession at Stamford Bridge. Ollie Watkins’ clever dink over Kepa Arrizabalaga gave the visitors the lead before John McGinn struck with fury from the edge of the area in the second half.

Chelsea dominated proceedings for the most part and created a whole host of clear-cut opportunities, but they were simply unable to hit the back of the net. Emery and the traveling support didn’t care, though, as Villa moved to within two points of Brighton & Hove Albion in sixth.

This was despite concern over one of their key men, Kamara, who returned to the starting XI on Saturday after a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury. “I saw him [Kamara] in the first half, in the first two balls he touched we were building up and I didn’t see him at all comfortable on the ball.

“It was a little strange – his foot and the way he was running was uncomfortable. I decided to play him after one month [on the sidelines] because he tried very hard, but really after the first 15 minutes when he got a yellow card, I was thinking we were going to have to decide [at half time] whether to continue with him or not.”

In the end, Emery made the decision to substitute Kamara, replacing him with Calum Chambers. The former Arsenal man occupied a number of positions in the second period, first in the defensive midfield spot and then at right-back in the closing stages to offer further solidity.

Although concerned about Kamara’s performance in the capital, Emery isn’t overly worried about his midfielder going forward. “I preferred to let him sit out the second half. Hopefully I think he is going to be ready for the next match,” Villa’s head coach went on to admit.