Matty Cash explains how Aston Villa contained Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku

Aston Villa defender Matty Cash has outlined the approach he used to limit the threat posed by Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku during their Premier League meeting.

Manchester City suffered their first league defeat of the season as Aston Villa secured a 2-1 victory in the fourth round of the competition.

Cash credited manager Unai Emery with preparing Villa effectively for the challenge, particularly in the match at Villa Park.

“Unai Emery is a tactical genius, especially when facing Manchester City at Villa Park,” Cash said. “He always has a new plan and different ideas. You have to adapt when you play against the big teams.”

Cash explained that Emery gives players clear instructions, but believes defenders must also take responsibility for carrying them out on the pitch.

“The manager gives you specific tasks, but you also have to take responsibility. Emery cannot do everything from the touchline,” he said.

The Poland international added that he studies the strengths of every winger he is due to face, with the aim of making their influence as limited as possible.

“I look at how to stop every winger I play against and make things difficult for them. That is what I did against Jeremy Doku, and I think I managed to stop his threat,” Cash said.

He identified the timing and distance of his pressure as key to dealing with the Manchester City player.

“You cannot allow Doku to turn with the ball because, at that point, he becomes one of the best players in the world,” Cash said. “You have to apply pressure from behind and stay close to him, but when he receives the ball, you need to leave a lot of space between yourself and him.”

Cash said the most demanding part of the contest was choosing when to close Doku down and when to hold his position.

“The challenge is getting close to him. When the winger has his back to me, I can move in and pressure him closely,” he said.

“But when Doku turns and starts running with the ball, he becomes one of the best players in the world. That is why I like to deal with him aggressively before he has the chance to turn.”