Aston Villa have thrived in recent seasons under Unai Emery, finishing seventh, fourth, and sixth, but the new campaign has begun slowly. They’ve collected only two points from their first four league matches and are yet to find the net.
Emery admitted the lack of goals is a worry ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup tie against Brentford, though he drew encouragement from the weekend’s draw with Everton. Director of football operations Damian Vidagany echoed that optimism, posting on X:
“A point that doesn’t shine, yes. We need goals, and they will come… but a point that strengthens us and our spirit. We’re working well and will improve soon. The first stone of a magnificent construction is rarely admired, but it is essential.”
Vidagany later responded to fans online, urging patience:
“My humble suggestion is, even if moods are low, to support the players and remember the last three wonderful years — far better than the 15 or 20 before them. If people don’t want to give credit, I respect it. If they choose to push with negativity, that’s fine too — but it doesn’t help. The fans are the true owners and guardians of the club, and they deserve more. Still, football has good times and difficult ones. I believe in Unai and the team.”
Villa’s summer was restricted by Financial Fair Play rules. They lost key players, with Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio returning from loan and Jacob Ramsey joining Newcastle, while being limited in terms of new signings.
Former manager Dean Smith, speaking on 5Live, said Ramsey’s departure in particular stood out:
“JJ was the one that surprised me. Villa must have felt the FFP pinch — otherwise you wouldn’t sell someone who’s delivered important goals throughout his career there. I looked at the squad and saw several younger players on the bench. Ollie Watkins still guarantees you 15 goals a season, and he’ll deliver. They’ve not created much away from home, and against Newcastle they played half the game with 10 men. It’s not all doom and gloom.”
Following the Everton draw, Emery added:
“Of course, we need to win, but this point will help us in the next matches. We must improve tactically in attack, help the strikers get into better scoring positions, and build confidence through victories. I understand the situation we’re in — many players are still adapting, only joining us properly after the transfer window closed two weeks ago.”
