Aston Villa got off to a winning start against Bologna in the Europa League with an early goal from club captain John McGinn. But they are off the pace in domestic football to match the standards of years gone past and ahead of a game on the weekend, Unai Emery called his men to “react quickly.”
-
‘We are improving’
Emery was delighted to win against Bologna, but it has to be the start of something bigger. His body of work has set a standard, never failing to reach the top seven and qualify for European football through the league since he arrived in the Midlands to replace Steven Gerrard in November 2022.
“It’s not enough. We know our objective and how we were getting our expectation last year being in the top eight, top six. We were with the same motivation and being excited to start the league better.”
A difficult start to the season
The struggles from the start of this season are well-documented. The Villans lost Birmingham boy Jacob Ramsey as part of the plans to balance the books, while the likes of Leon Bailey have left on loans or permanent departures after failing to hit the heights of previous years. Incomings the other way were slow, and Evann Guessand was the only major outfield player to sign before deadline day.
Even now that the team have welcomed Victor Lindelof, Jadon Sancho, and Harvey Elliott into their ranks, Emery expects more obstacles to be in the way as he integrates this trio into his concept.
“But, for different circumstances, we are not being consistent in the Premier League. I think we are improving and here we showed it.”
Cracks at Villa Park
The 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace was a sobering evening for the team, who lost their year-long unbeaten run at Villa Park and saw serious cracks in the structure. Midfield absences for Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana have not helped, but the team is tightening up.
Emery expects that the players perform well again to treat the supporters against Fulham on Sunday.
“And hopefully on Sunday because we have to react quickly, resting good, having good food and here on Sunday at 2pm we are here again. I’m grateful to the supporters because they have to push us.”
The Cottagers had a record-breaking 54-point tally last term, and after failing to win any of their first three meetings, they have beaten Leeds United 1-0 and Brentford 3-1 in the last fortnight. Both clubs continue to search for more momentum, so the atmosphere could make all the difference.
“To be here and helping us a lot and how the crowd here are supporting us, helping us, transmitting their energy and their wishes as well in every competition we are in.”
