Can Europe Rescue Aston Villa's Struggling Attack?

Aston Villa are struggling in the Premier League this season due to a combination of poor performances, tactical issues, and squad limitations. After a disappointing start that includes five matches without a goal, the team faces mounting pressure as they attempt to regain their form. With a heavy reliance on an aging core group of players and an inability to create scoring opportunities, Villa's prospects for improvement appear uncertain.

Last updated: 04 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Aston Villa have not scored in their last five league matches.
• Manager Unai Emery faces criticism for tactical rigidity and ineffective squad rotation.
• The team's average starting XI age is over 28, indicating a lack of youthful energy.
• Villa's attacking output has drastically decreased, with only one 'big chance' created per game this season.
• Emery's European experience could be a lifeline if Premier League struggles continue.

Current Struggles in the Premier League

Aston Villa's current situation in the Premier League has many fans concerned. After a promising season last year, where they displayed flashes of brilliance, this season has begun with a stark contrast. The team has not managed to score a single goal in their last five matches, marking a troubling trend that needs immediate addressing.

Unai Emery's side opened the season with a disappointing draw against Newcastle, a team grappling with its own challenges. This was followed by back-to-back losses against Brentford and Crystal Palace, two teams that were vulnerable heading into the season. Villa's inability to capitalise on these opportunities has left supporters frustrated and anxious.

Tactical Issues Under Emery

Emery is known for his structured tactical approach, aiming to control possession and create space for forwards by drawing opponents out of their defensive lines. However, this season, teams have adapted quickly, employing lower defensive lines that challenge Villa's ability to break them down. The result has been a stark drop in creativity and attacking output.

Last season, Aston Villa ranked fourth in the league for 'big chances' created, averaging three per game. As of this season, they have only managed a mere four 'big chances' across five matches, translating to just one per game. This drastic decline is alarming and points to deeper issues within the squad and tactical framework.

Squad Limitations and Ageing Core

Another critical factor contributing to Aston Villa's struggles is the age of their squad. With an average age exceeding 28, Villa's starting XI is among the oldest in the league. This ageing core has shown signs of fatigue and inconsistency, raising concerns about their ability to compete effectively over a long season.

The club's reliance on a small group of key players is also troubling. Only one player from last season's squad, Morgan Rogers, played more than 2,000 minutes and is under 26. This lack of youthful energy and depth has made it difficult for Villa to maintain form, especially with a packed fixture list ahead.

Recent Transfer Market Activity

During the summer transfer window, Aston Villa faced limitations due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, which restricted their ability to make significant signings. The only major permanent addition to the squad was Evann Guessand, brought in to provide backup for Ollie Watkins. In contrast, last season's loan signings of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio were replaced by Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho, with Elliott only joining on a permanent basis next season.

Villa's attempts at building a Champions League-level squad have hit obstacles. High-profile signings like Moussa Diaby, who has since moved to Saudi Arabia, and Pau Torres, who has struggled for a starting spot, indicate a mismatch between ambition and execution.

The Importance of Upcoming Fixtures

Looking ahead, the upcoming fixtures are crucial for Aston Villa. Matches against Sunderland, Fulham, and Burnley present opportunities for the team to turn their fortunes around. However, failure to secure points in these games could spell disaster, especially with tough fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester City, and Liverpool looming on the horizon.

Emery's tactical approach will be under scrutiny in these matches. The need for a swift change in strategy is paramount to reinvigorate the team's attacking threat and restore confidence. Supporters will be hoping for a more dynamic performance that translates into goals and, ultimately, points.

Defensive Woes and Goalkeeping Concerns

Defensively, Aston Villa has not fared much better. They have one of the league's worst defensive records, which compounds their attacking deficiencies. The constant turnover in the backline and lack of cohesion have allowed opponents to exploit vulnerabilities consistently.

Despite manager Emery's fondness for Marco Bizot, retaining Emi Martinez appears vital for stabilising the defence. Martinez's experience and skill can help restore confidence within the backline, which could be crucial as they look to keep clean sheets and ease pressure on the forwards.

European Aspirations Amidst Domestic Struggles

While the immediate focus is on rectifying their Premier League struggles, Aston Villa's aspirations in Europe cannot be overlooked. Emery’s impressive record in European competitions—boasting four UEFA Europa League titles—positions Villa as serious contenders for success in this year's tournament. Winning the Europa League should be the club's primary goal, especially considering their last major trophy was the League Cup in 1996.

Should Villa's league performances falter further, they may need to pivot their focus towards European success as a means of salvaging their season. The prospect of qualifying for the Champions League could provide a lifeline for both the club and Emery.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Aston Villa

The road ahead for Aston Villa is fraught with challenges. The combination of tactical issues, an ageing squad, and poor form has left fans and analysts questioning the club's direction. However, with crucial fixtures on the horizon and an opportunity in Europe, there remains a glimmer of hope. Success in the next few matches could be pivotal in determining whether Villa can turn their season around or if they will continue to struggle under mounting pressure.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Unai Emery and his team. Will they find the spark needed to ignite their campaign, or will they succumb to the weight of expectations? Only time will tell. #AstonVilla #PremierLeague #UnaiEmery

FAQs

Why are Aston Villa struggling this season?

Aston Villa are struggling due to a combination of poor performances, tactical rigidity, an ageing squad, and a significant drop in their attacking output.

What changes are needed for Aston Villa to improve?

Villa needs to adapt their tactical approach to create more scoring opportunities and consider squad rotation to manage player fatigue effectively.

How does Aston Villa's squad age impact their performance?

The average age of Villa's squad exceeds 28, leading to concerns about fatigue and inconsistency, which can hinder their performance over a long season.

What are Aston Villa's prospects in European competitions?

Aston Villa could have a strong chance in European competitions, particularly under Unai Emery, who has a successful track record in these tournaments.

What should fans expect in the upcoming fixtures?

Fans should expect critical matches against Sunderland, Fulham, and Burnley that could determine the team's direction for the remainder of the season.