Emery on underachieving and facing Wolvespublished at 15:46 GMT 26 February
15:46 GMT 26 February
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Emery spoke about the recent scrutiny Aston Villa have been receiving: "The first message is that we must enjoy what we are doing. Each day is something we must enjoy, practising, preparing games and focusing on the matches. We are going to face and we are going to fight day by day, next week, next month."
He added: "We are so motivated, we are performing and we are showing quality and how we are showing our energy and wishes. I am so motivated for the next match tomorrow and after tomorrow."
The boss was asked about how he feels playing against Wolves: "Wolves are a very difficult opponent. For both teams it is a journey because we have both been in the Premier League for a long time and they are playing at home with their supporters, they will feel it is a necessary match to show their capacity against us."
Emery does not think his players need a message to guard against complacency: "They know how much of a difficult match we are going to play tomorrow. We are here together."
And finally, the boss was asked if he knows how many points he needs for the Champions League. "I know it will be very difficult to compete for the position in the Champions League because we have United and Liverpool behind us and our position could be for them. They are very good, they challenge and have the power to challenge us."
Emery looking to end his wait for a Molineux winpublished at 14:35 GMT 26 February
14:35 GMT 26 February
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Unai Emery and Aston Villa lost 2-0 on their last trip to Molineux 12 months ago
It was a short news conference with Unai Emery despite Aston Villa aiming to streak clear of the chasing pack and strengthen their grip on third place in the Premier League.
Beat Wolves at Molineux on Friday - a place where Unai Emery has not won - and it would set up Wednesday's visit of Chelsea where Villa could deliver a knockout blow in the race for the top five.
They will go nine points above the fifth-placed Blues before Liam Rosenior's men go to Arsenal on Sunday with victory and keep Manchester United, currently three points behind, at bay.
Two victories would put Villa in an incredibly strong position, despite their recent faltering form, to return to the Champions League.
Emery, though, is wary of Wolves, having lost 3-1 with Arsenal in 2019 and been 3-0 down at half-time, to start his winless streak at Villa's neighbours.
The Spaniard has lost three times and drawn once at Molineux with Villa.
It is a stat which clearly irritates Emery but he will not have a better chance to end his wait at Molineux with Wolves bottom and heading for the Championship.
Emery brought it up unprompted, a sure sign of how much it bugs him, but victory on Friday could prove the foundations for sending Villa back to the Champions League.
Froggatt wants two up top - so is it the 'right move'?published at 09:51 GMT 26 February
09:51 GMT 26 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on if you think two strikers up top is the right short-term move? If you scroll down this page and read Mike Taylor's column, you'll see it's something ex-Villa man Steve Froggatt has been calling for.
Here are some of your comments:
Rob: Watkins is struggling, play Tammy as the number nine. Bailey is a liability, so maybe try Watkins on the right, he has the pace and will track back, definitely think it's worth a shot.
Joe: Watkins has scored one goal every 4.6 games this season in all competitions which is woeful. He needs assistance from Abraham with two up front or Tammy needs a crack at it himself as a lone target striker.
Martin: Two up front until the heart of midfield is back feels perfect. Emery has played it with us before with Rogers and Watkins. Abraham is perfect for pressing and hanging about in the box whereas Watkins will hold up play and not press as hard as Abraham. A 4-4-2 is a brilliant old school formation that Villa will thrive with until Tielemans, McGinn and Kamara are back.
Harvey: I do think that two up top is the right move for us right now because of our midfield problem. We can play Emery's 4-4-2 plus, as much as I love Ollie, he just isn't clinical enough for where we want to be, but is creative. And Tammy is clinical!
Sam: I'd just leave it with Unai. Even a genius like him will take a few game weeks to have worked out his best formation following the injuries to Kamara, McGinn and Tielemans. I'm sure he'll make the changes required to help us keep the pressure on the top two, and the chasing pack. The Tammy and Ollie show does have a good ring to it though!
Rob: I can't see it working on a recurring basis if I'm honest. When we try to attack directly in front of goal, I think our tactics rely too much on Ollie in a way that doesn't seem to happen when Tammy Abraham's been playing instead. Having seen Tammy play well as a sole striker and watching Watkins struggle without service while Tielemans and McGinn have been injured, I think it just makes more tactical sense to bench Ollie and start Tammy at the moment.
Prit: I think if we had a fully fit Ollie Watkins having two up front with Tammy Abraham would work. However, I'm not sure Ollie is fully fit and he is struggling to get up to speed with the game. If Watkins is injured, just take some time out and get fit and come back stronger.
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Their stumble, though, has stopped them pulling clear of those teams, and all but ended talk of an improbable title challenge.
They host Chelsea next Wednesday and then go to Old Trafford, while they welcome Liverpool on 17 May before finishing the season at Manchester City.
Villa have been unable to pull away from the chasing pack - and draw closer to City - because they have taken only 12 points in their past eight league matches.
Ollie Watkins has netted just once in his past 10 games, slowly reverting to his previous struggles, where he netted once in the opening 19 matches.
Morgan Rogers has also scored once in his past 10 league games and while Tammy Abraham has started strongly with two goals after his move from Roma, Villa need more creativity and ruthlessness - 11 teams have a higher xG - expected goals total.
Image caption,
Aston Villa's goal difference is closing in more and more on their xG compared to earlier outperformance
Ultimately, underlying xG numbers almost always win and as the season has gone on, Villa's results have started to line up more closely with their general performances.
Senior Villa figures have said it does not matter if they are getting points on the board and have been irritated by the suggestion they relied too much on long range goals earlier in the season.
They have scored 13 from outside the box this season, two more than Bournemouth, but well short of Chelsea's record of 23 in 2006-07, with a conversation rate of 10.4%.
But as those goals have dried up, Villa's defence has held up, even if it is conceding too many chances.
Only the top two have shipped fewer goals - but here, Villa are exceeding expectation too.
They have a defensive xG of 38, having faced 346 shots, but have only conceded 28 goals. It means Villa are the biggest xG overperformers in the Premier League this season.
The stats do not lie - but in the final 11 games of the domestic season, Emery needs to ensure Villa continue to buck the trend.
Planning routes and two up toppublished at 16:54 GMT 25 February
16:54 GMT 25 February
Mike Taylor BBC Radio WM reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Friday will be a big day.
In the evening, Villa have the West Midlands derby against Wolves.
Over lunch, thousands of Villa supporters will be taking part in their latest round of mouse-clicking Olympics, as the Europa League draw decides whether they will be heading to France, Spain, Greece or Serbia less than a fortnight later.
The options will have been reduced to two by then. Like a transfer window, the better-resourced will have made their moves early, hoping they read the small-print about free cancellation correctly. Supporting Villa home or away has been a thrilling adventure in the last three years, although as pointedly noted on this page this week, not a cheap one.
At least all that will help take minds off any nerves being felt before the shorter journey – in distance, anyway, if not in time in the Friday rush-hour – over to Molineux. The league table clearly tells us that this is not a fixture Villa should fear. Earlier in the season, teams playing Wolves could be confident that even if they weren't playing well, the route to goal would probably open up soon enough anyway. Under Rob Edwards' guidance, however, Wolves have at least become less accommodating.
That may be problematic. Villa have conceded points despite apparently dominating recent home games against Everton, Brentford and Leeds, and there is no reason to think Wolves will be especially adventurous against them just because the game is not at Villa Park.
The former Villa winger Steve Froggatt floated a solution on Tuesday's BBC Radio WM Football Phone-In, even if only a temporary one while the first-choice midfield races to recover fitness. Noting that Villa were much more effective against Leeds after Tammy Abraham joined Ollie Watkins, Froggatt advocated a switch away from Unai Emery's usual preferred shape, for now at least.
He explained: "Villa are struggling in the middle of the park. Youri Tielemans is not playing. If you watch Morgan Rogers in isolation, he's turning in to players again like he did at the start of the season. Tielemans is a genius, he gets the ball out between the lines so quickly, Rogers is turned and running at players.
"So, if you can't make it work with the three you've got in there, make it work however you can until the big boys can come back in."
Emery and Villa's supporters have a lot of route-planning to do this week. By Saturday morning, they might all know more about where they're heading.
Are injuries to blame for Villa's decline?published at 15:49 GMT 25 February
15:49 GMT 25 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on if Aston Villa's recent mass of injuries is the reason for a recent decline or if there is more going on than meets the eye?
Here are some of your comments:
Will: Take the engine room out of any team at any level and it will suffer. This has affected our defending and attacking play. Players get used to consistent team-mates.
Shark: It is funny how Villa weren't in a title race until the danger of slipping out of the top five becomes a threat. The media and their narratives! The truth is that Aston Villa are hindered. Look at the squad; many players are still from when we were fighting to just stay in the league. Now those injuries have hit us, taking away our few more quality players, we're getting found out. Imagine Aston Villa under Emery if we could go out and spend £150m on three players. Thanks FFP. You rob those who dare to dream.
Graham: Ollie Watkins has to take some responsibility for Villa's dip in form. He's working hard, but too many big chances are going begging and he's getting caught offside far too often at key moments. When the quality coming off the bench is making a bigger impact, it raises fair questions. Villa need their main man firing — not nearly-man performances.
Will: It's pretty simple - lose your two holding midfielders in Kamara and Tielemans, lose your captain in John McGinn and your first XI significantly drops in quality. Not to mention the lack of depth driven by PSR and more recently SCR constraints!
Paul: I think to put it simply; the midfield trio injuries combined with Ollie Watkins' underperforming has hampered our performances. Defence remains relatively solid but our lack of goals compared to the remainder of top six is an issue.
Charlie: There has never been any talk of being title contenders at VP. Top four or five has been the target since the start of season. We are just riding the wave. If we are still in touching distance come May, then maybe, just maybe, we can begin to believe in the possibility. But all the odds and external factors are against us. We have struggled with injuries, like a lot of clubs, but the decimation of our midfield powerhouse and leadership has hit hard. Other teams we might have expected to beat have raised their game and made it extremely difficult for Villa to break them down. Some small tactical changes are required from Emery, especially being able to play down the wings and pull those teams out of their structure and discipline.
Gossip: Villa want up to £100m for Rogerspublished at 08:43 GMT 25 February
08:43 GMT 25 February
Aston Villa could allow England midfielder Morgan Rogers to leave the club this summer, but would demand up to £100m for the 23-year-old. (GiveMeSport), external
Milner presented with three Guinness World Records titlespublished at 18:58 GMT 24 February
18:58 GMT 24 February
Image source, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS
As well as a Champions League title, three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two Community Shields to James Milner's name, he now has three Guinness World Record titles.
After Milner overtook Gareth Barry's record of 653 Premier League appearances in Brighton's 2-0 victory over Brentford, Milner's overall top-flight appearances now sits at 654.
The 40-year-old has also set two other records, which now means he holds the longest gap between his first and last Premier League goals (22 years 248 days) and for the most consecutive Premier League seasons played (24).
Milner said: "When I was younger, I used to get the Guinness World Records book for Christmas every year. So this is pretty amazing."
'Champions League six pointers' not a concern for Villa - it's other gamespublished at 12:30 GMT 24 February
12:30 GMT 24 February
David Michael Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
On the final whistle against Leeds United, as Villa's recent stuttering home form continued, Aston Villa had allowed both Chelsea and Manchester United to gain six points on them over the last six games.
Villa play both sides in their first two league fixtures of March in what can fairly be classed as Champions League six-pointers. After those matches, supporters will have a much clearer idea of how nervous the finish to the season will be. With Liverpool lurking ominously in sixth, the equation is simple: three from four will qualify.
Villa will not be daunted by those early March clashes. They have impressively taken 15 points from 21 against the so-called big six. Home wins against Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United have been their best performances at Villa Park.
The problems arise when they play anyone else.
Villa's average expected goals from open play across their last two home games, the 1-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion and the 1-1 draw with Leeds, was just 0.47. Even their most emphatic scoreline, the 4-0 win over AFC Bournemouth, tells a different story. Villa's expected goals from open play in that game was only 0.51, in a match where, if the numbers were to be believed, Bournemouth should have won 2-1.
Despite positive results at home, both by the eye test and statistically, despite their undeniable character, Villa have often been underwhelming to watch.
Higher ticket prices do not help the atmosphere. Younger fans are being priced out, hospitality sections are growing, and the average age at Villa Park creeps closer to 50. Villa supporters wanting to stand on the Holte End against Leeds were faced with a £77 ticket. That inevitably brings expectation, reduces patience, and heightens the bitter reaction when results fail to mask performances.
At a time when Villa the football club need their fans fully aligned for the final push, Villa the business risk compromising the environment that could make the difference on the pitch.
Gossip: Villa keen on Robertsonpublished at 07:25 GMT 24 February
07:25 GMT 24 February
Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Wolves are among the clubs interested in signing Scotland left-back Andy Robertson, should the 31-year-old leave Liverpool this summer. (Caught Offside), external
Should Villa or Newcastle replace Spurs in the 'big six'?published at 15:52 GMT 23 February
15:52 GMT 23 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on the debate around Tottenham's dwindling 'big-six' status, and whether either Aston Villa or Newcastle has a case to take their place.
Here are some of your comments:
Spurs fans
Dave: In recent years, our being viewed as one of the big six has become increasingly ridiculous. History and a nice stadium simply isn't enough. We've had some interesting managers and some good players - but despite that have remained a consistently mediocre team. If the owners don't get VERY serious about significant investment in our squad very soon, I think we're doomed. Relegation would be heartbreaking but it's where we are. I'm 72 and have been a fan since I was six. It's getting hard to remain hopeful.
Colin: Have we ever been a top-six club? Maybe we expect too much from our team - we just do not have the financial resources to get a top-six team together, let alone a top-four one. I am worried that we are battling to stay up this year - we really need to win at least four more games and the way we are playing I just cannot see that! We are a long way off top six.
Chris: Agree with Wayne Rooney's comments - this team is average at best and has a poor attitude. I don't blame Thomas Frank at all, I genuinely feel sorry for him and now we're seeing it all play out again with Igor Tudor. Are we going to blame him too? No manager is going to fix this mess until the board shows some real ambition. We need four or five proven, high-quality signings. There are also deeper, structural problems that have been there for years. Championship next season.
Brian: Yeah we are still a big-six team. Any club with as many players injured as we have would be struggling. It would be a different story with all players fit - so, yes.
Aston Villa fans
Carl: In the past three seasons, Spurs have been in the top six once, flirting with relegation last year and again this year. Meanwhile, Villa have been in the top six twice in the past three years and are firmly there again this year. Spurs shouldn't be mentioned in the 'big-six' conversation any more.
Paul: Yes of course Villa are a top-six club. Look at Unai Emery's record - a top-class European manager and sold-out games at a great stadium. Only PSR stops them being even more successful. Tottenham are nowhere near being called a top-six club.
James: Villa have always been a big-six club. Spurs' inclusion was always utterly baffling, and based purely on London bias. They have a big stadium? Wow. It's soulless, and they were being considered as part of the big six before that was even built, so that's not it. Villa are huge. Football royalty.
Daniel: All day long Villa are bigger than Spurs. They have a better stadium - that's it. Villa would be even bigger and would definitely be challenging for titles if they could spend. If Unai could buy who he wanted, Villa would have won the league this year. In reality, we've lost our midfield and are still competing better than Spurs. Anyone who think Spurs are top six are deluded or a Spurs fan.
Alan: I don't think Villa, as a club or the fans, could care less about whether they're regarded as a 'big-six' club. Let the results speak for themselves. When Villa Park is redeveloped to accommodate over 50,000, then maybe they'll be viewed differently.
Newcastle fans
Simon: Spurs still receive disproportionate media coverage and were part of the ill-fated Super League. Their on-field performances have been enough for Newcastle or Villa to replace them. The idea of the 'big six' can become the 'big five', neither of the aforementioned clubs need it.
Adam: We're realistically down to a 'big three' of regular Premier League title contenders. At this point, Newcastle don't have the financial clout to compete at that level. It's probably a discussion that is worth revisiting in a few years' time though.
Tom: Newcastle's average finishing position over the past four seasons is fifth. The 'big six' is nonsense anyway. Little Tottenham have only been placed there by the media. Newcastle should definitely replace them and Aston Villa should replace Manchester United, who were also in a relegation battle last season and aren't playing in Europe this season.
Sean: Newcastle and Aston Villa have both broken into the top six over the past few years. Spurs change their manager regularly and are nowhere near the top six any more. Newcastle should be a top-six team, just in front of Villa because of winning a cup.
Kevin: The Toon have always been a top-six club in most people's eyes. The supporters are the best in the league. Watch out for the new stadium.
But the credibility of one of those clubs has come into question over the past few seasons.
Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney said Tottenham would be "naive to think they are a top-six team" after Sunday's defeat by Arsenal and consecutive seasons battling relegation.
Former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou said his time as their head coach showed him they are not a "big club".
On the other hand, Aston Villa are set to finish within the top six of the Premier League for a third season in a row, have the best record against the big six so far this season and have five more league titles than the north London outfit.
So, do you think there is a case for Villa to displace Tottenham in the 'big six'?
Trevor: Lacklustre. It's a shame because we made too many errors. We have a tough game next Friday against Wolves. We need to have a better gameplan, and gee up those players that didn't give it their all.
Prit: Leeds played extraordinary well and Daniel Farke is doing a great job. As for Villa, we were poor for large parts of the game and I think Unai Emery got the team selection wrong. Villa need to be starting with Tammy Abraham as Ollie Watkins has failed too many times this season. Leon Bailey is a good player to bring on as sub - but we can't start with him. We needed three points but deserved only one. We desperately need John McGinn and Youri Tielemans back as soon as possible - otherwise, we will sleepwalk out of the top four.
Matthew: While injuries have ripped the literal heart out of this Aston Villa side, for over an hour the 11 on the pitch showed no metaphorical heart either. The confidence and perseverance that has characterised much of the season was absent. It wasn't until the introduction of Ross Barkley and Jadon Sancho that we finally got some of the stability and cutting edge we needed, allowing a much better final 20 minutes or so. Overall, though, not good enough from too many players, especially the woeful Bailey.
Martyn: This was never going to be an easy game and we just never got going until it was too late. Even Superman Rogers was pretty anonymous and it must be time to drop Watkins for Tammy. But hey - a top five finish is within sight and completely under our own control. Catch us if you can!
Leeds fans
Eric: It says something when we come away from Villa unhappy that we dropped two points, instead of being happy that we came away from a top four club with one point. Bit frustrated, though, at once again conceding right at the death - close, but just not close enough.
Fazzinho: Farke deserves a lot of credit. The team is overachieving based on their cost and ability. We're not there yet, but two away draws against top four teams is unbelievable.
Andy: I know every point is a good point, but we are dropping too many points from winning positions. More points dropped because the manager can't identify when he needs to make substitutions. Ilia Gruev ran himself into the ground but from 70 minutes onwards the game screamed out for Dan James as an outlet, as he doesn't shirk the defensive work.
Henrik: A gritty display with a degree of luck. We take the point and move further towards safety.
Gossip: Villa could sign Chalobah this summerpublished at 07:08 GMT 23 February
07:08 GMT 23 February
Chelsea could allow 26-year-old England defender Trevoh Chalobah to join Aston Villa this summer if the Blues can sign a replacement. (Caughtoffside), external
'Abraham relishing competition for a place'published at 11:54 GMT 22 February
11:54 GMT 22 February
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist
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Seven years after firing them into the Premier League, Tammy Abraham is back scoring goals at Aston Villa to keep their fans and manager dreaming of glory.
With Villa on the verge of losing 1-0 to Leeds United on Saturday, substitute Abraham, who had only been on the pitch for 13 minutes, guided the ball with his knee into the net to score an 88th-minute equaliser.
It was the 28-year-old's second goal since returning to the club following his £18.2m move from Besiktas in January, after scoring in the 3-1 loss to Newcastle in the FA Cup seven days ago.
Abraham, who received a great reception from the club's fans when he came on, played alongside Ollie Watkins, instead of replacing him.
Emery said that was a tactic he would do again in the right circumstances, with Abraham also relishing the competition for a place.
"We spoke about it [playing together] a few times in training, and luckily we were able to grab the goal so the gaffer can see that it can work," added Abraham.
"We know he is a top striker and he has been here for a few years and scored many goals, so it is fantastic competition to have."
Emery was full of praise for the new recruit and added: "He left the Premier League seven years ago and now he is adapting in everything we're demanding.
"It's a huge commitment from him to try to help us with his qualities, and he showed it because he played 20 minutes and he was motivated, excited and scored from it."
Aston Villa 1-1 Leeds: What Emery and Abraham saidpublished at 18:40 GMT 21 February
18:40 GMT 21 February
Media caption,
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to BBC Sport: "Good evening. This point is good. Why? This match is very difficult and this is the consistency we must keep. Leeds deserved to draw. We created chances in the second half but they had chances to score.
"They were defending lower than in the first half. They were pushing us. We tried to dominate in combination but it was difficult. We didn't need to play a long ball to Watkins. We needed to play outside more than inside. The best chance we had was in the first half. Accepting how we finish drawing this match."
On Tammy Abraham: "He is competing to improve our attacking third with Ollie Watkins. We played both today because we needed him. He was good. Today we achieved one point with his goal.
"Kamara is out for the season. We have players doing good work and they are performing and working."
Aston Villa forward Tammy Abraham speaking to BBC Final Score: "Watching Leeds with their past few results they have been grabbing draws and making games tough for opponents. So we knew what to expect and we are happy that we didn't end up losing the game and we just have to keep going and keep believing in ourselves."
On whether the Villa dressing room feel like they are title contenders: "When I first arrived I spoke with a few of the boys and watching from a far you can see that the team has a lot of qualities. We're delighted to be where we are today but we are so close, so we have to just keep pushing and keep believing in ourselves.
"Who knows what can happen? We are not too far from Arsenal who are at the top. Unfortunately today we didn't get the win but we just have to keep pushing."
On the battle for the centre forward role at Villa: "We spoke about it a few times in training [playing together], and luckily we were able to grab the goal so the gaffer can see that it can work. We know he is a top striker and he has been here for a few years and scored many goals, so is fantastic competition to have. I'm happy to be back home, I just need to find myself a house."
On whether today's opponents Leeds can stay in the top flight: "100%. They have a lot of quality and players who have been here before and done it. DCL [Calvert-Lewin] is currently good form and scoring goals and they are creating chances for him. They definitely have the quality to stay up."
Did you know?
Aston Villa have won 19 points from losing positions in the Premier League this season - more than any other side - while only in 1993-94 have the Villans won more in a campaign in the competition, with 21.
