What Did Unai Emery Say to Harvey Elliott After Halftime Substitution?

Unai Emery, the Aston Villa manager, believes that Harvey Elliott requires time to adapt to his new surroundings after substituting him at half-time during a significant 3-1 victory against Fulham. This win marked Villa's first success in the Premier League this season, achieved after six attempts. While the team celebrated a crucial three points, Emery highlighted the importance of patience for Elliott as he settles into the squad.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways from Aston Villa's Victory

• Aston Villa secured their first Premier League win of the season against Fulham.
• Harvey Elliott was substituted at half-time, with manager Emery indicating he needs time to adapt.
• Emiliano Buendia's introduction proved pivotal, contributing to two goals.
• Ollie Watkins scored his first goal of the season, boosting his confidence.
• The team's performance highlighted improvements despite a rocky start to the season.
• Jadon Sancho missed the match due to illness but is expected to play a key role moving forward.

Aston Villa's Season So Far

Aston Villa's start to the Premier League season has been underwhelming, with only six points accumulated from six matches prior to the victory over Fulham. The team faced challenges, including a slow start and difficulties in scoring. However, the win against Fulham has provided a much-needed morale boost as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

The Turning Point: Substitutions and Tactical Changes

Unai Emery's decision to substitute Harvey Elliott at half-time was strategic. The young winger, on loan from Liverpool, struggled to leave a mark in the first half. In contrast, Emiliano Buendia, who replaced Elliott, was instrumental in shifting the momentum of the game. His energy and adaptability on the pitch were crucial in helping Aston Villa secure the win.

Emery explained, “I change him more tactically because Emiliano Buendia is giving us energy and his adaptation is better than Elliott. He needs time, Elliott.” This statement underscores the importance of player adaptation in a new environment, especially for younger players stepping into the Premier League.

Ollie Watkins: A Striker’s Revival

Ollie Watkins had been under pressure after a lacklustre start to the season, compounded by a missed penalty in the Europa League against Bologna. His equalising goal against Fulham not only lifted his spirits but also reaffirmed his value to the team. Emery praised Watkins, stating, “He is very important for the team because he was not scoring goals.”

This goal could be pivotal for Watkins as he aims to regain his form and confidence, crucial for Aston Villa's success moving forward.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures

Following their victory, Aston Villa is gearing up for a trip to Feyenoord in the Europa League and then hosting Burnley in the Premier League. Emery expressed optimism about the team's potential to build on this win, stating, “Winning duels and recovering the ball as high as possible and then we were being aggressive.”

Consistency will be key for Villa as they navigate their next fixtures. The manager emphasised the need for the team to maintain their energy levels and continue improving their performance.

Manager's Confidence in the Squad

Despite the slow start, Emery remains confident in his squad's ability to improve. He noted that the team has drawn three matches away, indicating a level of resilience. “We were improving and getting better but we needed to improve things. Today we did it,” he said. This mindset will be essential as they look to climb the Premier League table and perform well in European competition.

Jadon Sancho's Absence

Emery also addressed the absence of Jadon Sancho, who was sidelined due to illness before the match. “Sancho was feeling sick before the game so that is why he was not on the bench but he will be important for us,” he commented. Sancho's return will add depth to the squad, especially as they face a packed schedule in the coming weeks.

The Importance of Fan Support

The role of the fans in supporting the team cannot be understated, particularly during challenging times. Emery spoke about the connection between the players and supporters, indicating that this bond is vital for the team's success. “With our supporters, we need to connect here and bring the energy,” he said, highlighting the importance of a strong home advantage.

Conclusion

Aston Villa's victory against Fulham serves as a reminder of the potential within the squad, despite the hurdles faced early in the season. The contributions of players like Buendia and Watkins, coupled with the need for patience with newcomers like Elliott, depict a team in transition. As they prepare for their next matches, the focus will remain on building consistency and harnessing the energy of their fanbase. Can Aston Villa continue this momentum and rise in the Premier League standings? Only time will tell.

#AstonVilla #PremierLeague #UnaiEmery

FAQs

Why was Harvey Elliott substituted at half-time?

Harvey Elliott was substituted at half-time due to tactical reasons, as Unai Emery felt Emiliano Buendia was providing more energy and adapting better to the game's demands.

How did Ollie Watkins perform in the match against Fulham?

Ollie Watkins scored his first goal of the season during the match against Fulham, helping to equalise and boost his confidence following a slow start to the campaign.

What are Aston Villa's upcoming fixtures?

Aston Villa's next matches include a Europa League game against Feyenoord and a Premier League clash against Burnley, both crucial for building momentum this season.

What is the significance of fan support for Aston Villa?

Fan support is vital for Aston Villa, particularly in home matches, as it boosts players' morale and helps create a positive atmosphere conducive to winning.

What did Emery say about Jadon Sancho's absence?

Unai Emery explained that Jadon Sancho missed the match against Fulham due to illness but noted that he will be an important player for the team once he returns.