Aston Villa is under pressure after a winless, goalless start to the season. Manager Unai Emery calls for patience but faces scrutiny as statistics reveal a concerning lack of attacking output. Key players need to step up as crucial fixtures approach that will determine the immediate future of the club.
Aston Villa finds itself under intense scrutiny after a dismal start to the Premier League season. Four matches in, the team remains winless and, alarmingly, goalless, a stark contrast to the high expectations surrounding the club. Despite the concerns, the message from within Villa Park is one of unwavering faith: 'Trust us'.
Manager Unai Emery, a proven tactician with a commendable track record, has earned a degree of patience from the Villa faithful. However, the worrying trend of lackluster performances demands immediate attention. The goalless drought is particularly concerning. Aston Villa's struggles in front of goal have been so pronounced that they are now being compared to lower-league teams, like Acle United, who are also finding it difficult to score.
The statistics paint a grim picture. Villa's inability to find the net in five consecutive Premier League games marks their worst such run since 2014-2015. Their current standing near the bottom of the table reflects their worst start to a Premier League campaign since 1997-98. These figures underscore the urgent need for improvement if Villa are to salvage their season.
Image source, Getty ImagesUnai Emery takes Aston Villa to Brentford in the EFL Cup on Tuesday
Despite the bleak outlook, director of football operations Damian Vidagany maintains an optimistic stance. He acknowledged the need for goals but emphasized that the recent draw at Everton, however uninspiring, laid the foundation for future improvement. Vidagany believes that the team is working diligently and will soon turn the corner, urging fans to trust in the process. However, actions speak louder than words, and Villa's performances must reflect this promised improvement.
The statistical analysis further highlights Villa's struggles. They are among a handful of teams in Premier League history to begin a season without scoring in their opening four games. Their expected goals (XG) figure is among the lowest in the league, indicating a lack of clear-cut chances and a failure to convert opportunities.
Compared to other struggling teams, Villa's attacking output appears even more concerning. Wolves, despite losing all their games, have managed more shots on target with fewer attempts. Even Burnley, who have also struggled, have found the net multiple times with a more clinical conversion rate.
Several factors may contribute to Villa's current predicament. Financial constraints during the summer transfer window hampered their ability to strengthen the squad significantly. Manager Emery expressed his concerns about the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), suggesting they limit clubs' ability to invest in their teams.
The arrival of striker Evann Guessand has yet to provide the spark Villa desperately needs. The young Frenchman has struggled to adapt quickly and make an impact, further compounding Villa's goalscoring woes. Star striker Ollie Watkins, despite his efforts, has also been unable to replicate his form from last season.
Last season, at this stage, Villa were a different beast. They had already scored seven goals and created numerous 'big chances.' This season, the attacking fluidity and clinical edge have been noticeably absent. The departure of key players like Marco Asensio and Jacob Ramsey has also undoubtedly impacted the team's attacking prowess.
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Scrappy match up between Everton and Aston Villa ends in stalemate
Despite the team's domestic struggles, Villa players have found the net while on international duty. Youri Tielemans, Matty Cash, and Ezri Konsa, amongst others, scored for their respective countries, providing a glimmer of hope that the goals will eventually come for Villa.
With upcoming fixtures against Brentford in the Carabao Cup and Sunderland in the Premier League, Villa face a crucial week. Two more goalless games would undoubtedly deepen the sense of crisis surrounding the club. Vidagany's plea for patience highlights the delicate balance between fan expectations and the reality of the team's current form. The coming weeks will be vital in determining whether Aston Villa can live up to its billing. Villa fans will hope the loan signing of Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliot are quick to settle in.