Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery(Image: PA)
Aston Villa are in desperate need of a positive week after remaining goalless this campaign, following a 0-0 draw at Everton on Saturday.
Unai Emery’s side face Brentford in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, before travelling to Sunderland on Sunday.
While Villa must begin to string together wins in the Premier League, a change of competition could help ease the pressure on Emery’s players - and provide an opportunity for others to get valuable game time.
The likes of Donyell Malen, Harvey Elliott, Jadon Sancho, and Evann Guessand were all on the bench against Everton and will be hoping to stake a claim for a starting spot against Sunderland, should they impress in midweek.
Why Emery Was Happy After Everton Draw
Emery appeared frustrated in his post-match press conference as he addressed questions from the media.
He was, however, eager to highlight some positives from the draw, including “fantastic” performances from Emi Martinez and Lamare Bogarde.
Although failing to score and remaining without a league win is clearly a source of deep frustration, Emery insisted he was pleased with the team’s response to the 3-0 defeat by Crystal Palace.
Keeping a clean sheet is essential if you’re not going to win, and Emery emphasised the importance of building from a strong foundation after a difficult start to the campaign.
“We have to try to get back our strong structure offensively, but today we got a strong structure defensively,” he explained. “We didn’t score any goals but we conceded three goals two weeks ago and we were so worried because we weren’t compact. Today we took the first step forward.
“Now we have to recover our capacity to score goals, but collectively we have to do more. I am positive because I know we will achieve our capacity to have chances to score and to get that. The strikers and wingers will score goals.
“Today I am happy, really happy. I know we have two points, I know we are not scoring, but I am happy. Firstly, we know we have to get our structure strong and compact like we did, then recover some players.
“There are still players to add who have been injured in the midfield, but we will recover players and now Youri Tielemans is out. Hopefully we can recover Onana, Kamara and Barkley. For the future and the present they are important players.”
Vidagany: Trust the process
Social media has not been a pleasant place for Villa fans since the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, took to X just hours after the full-time whistle at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to address the disappointing start to the season.
He posted: “A point that doesn't shine, yes, we need goals, of course they will come... but a point that strengthens us and our spirit. We're working well and we'll soon improve. The first stone of a magnificent construction never attracts the attention of spectators. But it's very necessary.
“It's not just about admiring the final result. I'm happy to see Emi performing at such a high level and even more so to see our fans singing his song. Thanks to the fans who traveled; your energy and generosity helped us enormously today! In Unai and the players I believe UTV!”
One supporter who expressed frustration on social media also received a personal reply from Vidagany: “My thoughts are that I am genuinely optimistic, based on the facts that we have a proven very good squad and a proven great manager and they are working hard and together.
“In the interim, my humble suggestion is to ask - understanding moods are not high - to help the boys with support and memory of what they did in 3 amazing years. Much better years than the previous 15, 20? If you don’t want to give them credit, I respect it. If someone wants to push us with negativity, it is ok, you also can do it. But it is useless.
“If you want to help, as you the fans are the real owners of the Villa and protectors of the club and we know you deserve more. But let me remind you that in football there are good times and not good times. And everyone can choose one way or another. I believe in Unai and my team.”
Villa's midfield injury crisis deepens
Villa’s midfield injury crisis worsened on Saturday when Youri Tielemans was forced off at half-time against Everton.
There had been little indication of a problem for the Belgian in the first half, but Emery confirmed in his post-match press conference that he had suffered an injury.
He was replaced by Evann Guessand, with John McGinn shifting into a deeper role alongside Lamare Bogarde.
With Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana already sidelined, and Ross Barkley dealing with a personal issue, Emery had very limited options in midfield.
There had initially been hope that Kamara could return in time for the Everton fixture, as his hamstring strain was believed to be minor.
Emery did not offer specifics on Tielemans’ condition in his press conference, but it was later revealed that the midfielder had experienced pain in his calf.
He was scheduled to undergo a scan on Sunday to determine the extent of the issue.