Despite losing each of their last two home Premier League games, Aston Villa still have a huge opportunity to make this season one to remember for the fanbase.
Unai Emery’s men are six points clear of fifth place in England’s top-flight, which could allow them to secure a place in the Champions League for the following campaign.
As for the current European adventure, the Villans are in the last 16 of the Europa League, which could also allow them to make new ground come the end of the campaign.
unai-emery-aston-villa
The Spaniard has been backed in the market by the hierarchy during the recent January window, with Douglas Luiz and Tammy Abraham both returning to Villa Park.
However, their fairytale returns in the West Midlands came as a result of numerous first-team players leaving the Villans and moving on to pastures new on temporary and permanent deals.
The stats behind Evann Guessand’s struggles at Aston Villa
During the summer window, Villa secured the permanent signing of attacker Evann Guessand from French side Nice, but it’s safe to say the move has failed to ignite.
The Ivorian international has made 21 appearances for Emery’s men, scoring just twice in the process - with none of his efforts coming in the Premier League.
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He only posted a tally of 1.2 shots per 90 during the first half of the season, with such a tally placing him in the bottom 15% of all players in the division this campaign.
The 24-year-old has also completed just 11 passes per 90 whilst achieving a total of just 35 touches per 90, with both of the aforementioned figures ranking him in the bottom 5% of players in the league.
Guessand has only managed eight shots in England’s top-flight this season, which further highlights his struggles and led to the club re-signing Abraham.
As a result, the Ivorian has joined fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace on loan until the end of the season in an attempt to regain his form that led to his summer arrival.
Not just Guessand: Aston Villa's big disappointment must go
Whilst a move for Guessand to join the Eagles is only a temporary one, the attacker could well make a move to Selhurst Park on a permanent basis in the summer window.
Guessand
Oliver Glasner’s side have the option to take him away from Villa for a fee in the region of £28m - a deal that would represent excellent business given his recent struggles.
However, there’s no denying that there are numerous players also on the books that should be moved on by Emery and the hierarchy in the near future.
The club undoubtedly have to be brutal with their decision-making in the summer if they are to make the jump and become consistent top four challengers.
Ross Barkley is another player who has massively struggled at Villa Park in recent times, with injuries one of the reasons his progress has stagnated in the West Midlands.
Ross-Barkley-Aston-Villa
The Englishman spent a year on loan with the Villans back in the 2020/21 campaign, subsequently making 24 appearances and managing to find the net on three occasions.
One of his strikes came in the iconic 7-2 victory over Liverpool on home soil, but it wasn’t enough to sign for the Villans on a permanent basis, as he returned to Chelsea.
However, in the summer of 2024, the 32-year-old would finally make a return to the West Midlands, subsequently joining from Luton Town after their relegation from the Premier League.
It’s safe to say his second spell has failed to hit the heights many expected, with the midfielder making just 37 appearances across all competitions in the last 18 months.
Ross Barkley - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Games started
Minutes played
Goals scored
Shots taken
Assists
Average rating
Stats via FotMob
Barkley has made just seven league appearances this campaign, none of which have come from the start, subsequently featuring for a measly total of just 115 minutes. On that basis, like Guessand, it would be a surprise if he had a future at Villa Park, let alone start again under Emery.
As a result of his recent struggles, Tim Sherwood has been vocal about his criticism of the Englishman, subsequently labelling him as a “massive disappointment”.
Ross-Barkley
Given his recent struggles, the hierarchy should look to offload him at the next available opportunity, with the midfielder ultimately not at the level required for success in the future.
He and Guessand have unfortunately failed to meet expectations in the West Midlands, with the hierarchy needing to learn from such deals in the windows ahead.
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[Aston Villa have signed a future Abraham upgrade who's going to be a "beast"](https://www.footballfancast.com/aston-villa-madjo-future-abraham-upgrade/ "Aston Villa have signed a future Abraham upgrade who's going to be a "beast"")
This Aston Villa talent is one to watch in the coming years