Aston Villa got their Champions League hopes back on track in midweek after clinching a 3-1 victory over Brentford.
It was a much improved and much-needed display that ended their eight-match winless run, with Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash all scoring in the first half.
A dominant and resurgent performance reminded everyone inside the ground of the team that qualified for the Champions League last season.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery also made some bold changes before the game that paid off, including dropping Pau Torres for Tyrone Mings.
On his first Premier League start this term, Mings was ‘absolutely superb’, dominating his opponents physically and aerially.
The 31-year-old now arguably deserves to start against Southampton, but Emery has outlined one challenge he’s had this term.
Unai Emery manager of Aston Villa in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Brentford FC at Villa Park on December 04, 2...
Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Unai Emery forced into changing Aston Villa’s starting XI
The successful formula in any team is usually keeping with a similar starting XI throughout the campaign so that an understanding and chemistry can build.
In Villa’s case, Emery has revealed how he’s found it ‘impossible’ to keep the same starting lineup, citing players getting tired and injuries as a key reason why.
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Speaking in Villa’s pre-match press conference, via X, the Spaniard said: “It’s been impossible at the moment because there are players playing a lot of matches and some are coming injured, some have small pain, getting tired.
“For me, it’s not the most important [thing] to try to be consistent with the starting XI. I want players knowing tactically and performing tactically and individually with their quality, always getting the level that we want and I have to use two players for each position, trying to compete and trying to be ready to play.”
Emery thinks being consistent with the lineup is the ‘most important’ thing, although factors out of his hands have prevented him from sticking to that claim.
Emery needs to replenish his squad in the January transfer window
Currently, Aston Villa are fortunate that they have a relatively clean bill of health, with only Amadou Onana and Jacob Ramsey doubts for the visit of Southampton.
Ahead of the summer transfer window, Emery must use this as an opportunity to replenish his squad depending on what business their rivals do.
With PSR a problem for Aston Villa, fans won’t expect the cash to be splashed however, one or two additions could make a huge difference.
A new and exciting winger is needed amid Jaden Philogene’s struggle for form, while a versatile defender to challenge Matty Cash is favoured.
Adding some fresh faces to their current crops will not only promote competition within Emery’s camp but also give them a great chance of battling across all fronts.
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