As Aston Villa prepares to take on Crystal Palace this weekend, the team finds itself in a precarious position, sitting ninth in the Premier League with five wins from 11 matches and a goal difference of zero. The club’s journey under manager Unai Emery has been remarkable, transitioning from relegation worries to the thrill of Champions League football. However, after suffering four consecutive defeats, Villa’s current situation is raising concerns.
Despite a promising start to the season, Villa’s recent form suggests deeper issues. The team’s record of just one win in six league appearances indicates a significant drop in performance. While injuries and fatigue from competing in Europe are contributing factors, a closer look reveals several tactical dilemmas that Emery must address.
The lack of creativity is evident, particularly with winger Leon Bailey only contributing to two goals after an impressive 19 last season. Following the transfer of Moussa Diaby, who had 14 goal involvements, Villa’s attacking potency has diminished.
Emery has attempted to revitalize the squad by introducing Jhon Duran alongside Ollie Watkins; however, this adjustment has not yet yielded the desired results. The strikers' tendency to create gaps between lines has led to defensive vulnerabilities, as seen in their recent 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Villa’s defensive issues are equally troubling. The team has already made nine errors leading to shots, surpassing last season’s total of eleven. Despite this, their expected goals against per 90 minutes statistic has improved significantly—from 1.56 last season to 1.08 this year, positioning them among the top defenses in the league.
Yet goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is struggling with a save percentage of just 60.5%, ranking among the lowest in the division. This indicates that while the defense is more organized, individual mistakes are still costly.
Since Douglas Luiz’s departure to Juventus, Villa has lost its grip on matches, evident in their declining possession statistics—dropping from an average of 52.8% last season to 50.5% this year.
With Boubacar Kamara returning from injury, there is hope that his presence can restore stability in midfield and bolster Villa’s control over games.
To reverse their fortunes, Aston Villa must refine their tactical approach and regain consistency throughout the squad. Addressing individual lapses in both defense and attack will be crucial as they seek to reclaim their competitive edge.
The upcoming match against Crystal Palace presents an opportunity for Emery and his players to demonstrate resilience and adaptability—qualities that could define their season moving forward. As they navigate these challenges, maintaining focus on both tactical refinement and player form will be essential for Aston Villa’s ambitions this year.
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