Is Winless Villa in Trouble?

Aston Villa is currently experiencing a challenging start to the 2023-2024 Premier League season, struggling to replicate the success of previous campaigns under manager Unai Emery. Following a top-four finish in the league last season, Villa has yet to secure a win after five matches, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike about the team's form and goal-scoring ability.

Last updated: 30 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Aston Villa has yet to win any of their opening five Premier League games.
• The team has only scored one goal in their last ten league matches.
• Villa's struggles come despite a strong offensive record in previous seasons.
• Manager Unai Emery acknowledges the need for improvement in team performance.
• Upcoming fixtures against Fulham and Burnley present opportunities for a turnaround.

Current Form and Performance Issues

After a promising previous season that saw Aston Villa score a remarkable 134 goals and secure a top-four finish, the club's current form is alarming. With only one goal scored in five matches, fans are beginning to question the effectiveness of the team’s strategy and performance levels. The recent 1-1 draw against Sunderland, where Villa faced ten men for a significant portion of the match, highlighted their struggles in both creating chances and maintaining possession.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson noted that Villa appears "clunky" and "not fluid," indicating a stark departure from the cohesive unit they were last season. The team’s inability to convert opportunities into goals has contributed to this disjointed performance. Villa's attacking line, including key players such as Ollie Watkins, who netted 16 goals last season, has found itself in a rut, managing only one goal in ten league games.

Analysis of Goals Drought

The stark contrast in goal-scoring between last season and the current campaign raises several questions. Villa's only goal this season came from a long-range strike by Matty Cash against Sunderland, ending a 427-minute scoring drought. This is the longest wait for a goal at the start of a Premier League season since Newcastle United in 2005-06.

Emery has pointed to the need for the team to regain their identity and style of play, which has evidently been lost in the early stages of this campaign. The lack of creativity in midfield has been evident, with Villa registering the fewest shots on target in the league this season. They have only managed 12 attempts, which places them on par with teams like Everton and Leeds, who are also struggling.

Impact of Transfer Market and Squad Depth

The summer transfer window presented additional challenges for Villa. With a failure to secure a Champions League position, the club faced restrictions due to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). This limited their spending and impacted their ability to strengthen the squad significantly.

While Villa did bring in striker Evann Guessand from Nice for £26 million plus add-ons, he has yet to make a significant impact, having registered only two attempts on target. The absence of influential loan signings like Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio has further strained the attacking options available to Emery.

Upcoming Fixtures and Potential for Recovery

As Villa prepares to face Fulham and Burnley in their next two Premier League matches, there is hope that they can turn their fortunes around. Both matches are pivotal; securing wins could provide much-needed momentum and confidence. The home advantage during these fixtures could play a crucial role in helping the team rediscover their form.

Emery remains optimistic, stating, "We need to play better, we need to control better, we need to dominate better." This sentiment reflects the urgency for improvement as the team approaches a critical juncture in the season.

Fan Sentiment and the Pressure on Emery

Despite the team's struggles, there is a sense of loyalty among the Villa fanbase towards Emery, given his previous successes. However, as the pressure mounts, patience may wear thin. Fans expect a team with such attacking talent to perform at a higher level, and the lack of results could lead to increased scrutiny on Emery's tactics and decisions.

As Cash mentioned post-match, "With the quality we have, we need to be higher up the league." This sentiment is echoed by many supporters who are keen to see their team return to the heights of last season's performance.

Conclusion

Overall, Aston Villa's current plight presents a complex challenge for Unai Emery and his squad. While the team's previous successes provide a foundation of hope, their present struggles cannot be overlooked. The upcoming fixtures against Fulham and Burnley are critical for turning around their season. Until then, the focus remains on finding a solution to their goal-scoring woes and re-establishing their identity on the pitch. Can Villa bounce back and avoid a prolonged slump in form?

FAQs

What is Aston Villa's current Premier League standing?

Aston Villa is currently struggling at the bottom end of the Premier League table, having not registered a win in their first five matches, which places them under significant pressure as the season progresses.

When was Aston Villa's last goal scored in the Premier League?

Aston Villa's last goal was scored by Matty Cash in the 67th minute of their match against Sunderland, which broke a 427-minute goal drought at the start of the 2023-2024 season.

Who are Aston Villa's upcoming opponents?

Aston Villa's upcoming fixtures include matches against Fulham on 28 September and Burnley on 5 October in the Premier League, both of which are crucial for the team to regain form.

What challenges is Unai Emery facing this season?

Unai Emery is facing challenges related to a lack of squad depth due to summer transfer market restrictions and the need to improve the team's performance and goal-scoring ability following a disappointing start to the season.

How many goals did Aston Villa score last season?

Last season, Aston Villa scored a total of 134 goals, contributing to their successful campaigns which included a top-four finish in the Premier League.