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Aston Villa | 2021/22 Season

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Aston Villa's 2021-22 Premier League fixtures in full:

August
14 - Watford (A)
21 - Newcastle United (H)
28 - Brentford (H)

September
11 - Chelsea (A)
18 - Everton (H)
25 - Manchester United (A)

October
2 - Tottenham Hotspur (A)
16 - Wolverhampton Wanderers (H)
23 - Arsenal (A)
30 - West Ham United (H)

November
6 - Southampton (A)
20 - Brighton (H)
27 - Crystal Palace (A)
30 - Manchester City (H)

December
4 - Leicester City (H)
11 - Liverpool (A)
14 - Norwich City (A)
18 - Burnley (H)
26 - Chelsea (H)
28 - Leeds United (A)

January
1 - Brentford (A)
15 - Manchester United (H)
22 - Everton (A)

February
8 - Leeds United (H)
12 - Newcastle United (A)
19 - Watford (H)
26 - Brighton (A)

March
5 - Southampton (H)
12 - West Ham United (A)
19 - Arsenal (H)

April
2 - Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
9 - Tottenham Hotspur (H)
16 - Liverpool (H)
23 - Leicester City (A)
30 - Norwich City (H)

May
7 - Burnley (A)
15 - Crystal Palace (H)
22 - Manchester City (A)
 
Aston Villa have opened contract talks with captain Jack Grealish as Man City plot formal big-money bid after
 
MenInG said:
Aston Villa have opened contract talks with captain Jack Grealish as Man City plot formal big-money bid after
Click to expand...

Looks like Chelsea could be interested to, will be a massive shame to see Grealish leave but the club should make some decent change out of it
 
I imagine Buendia was signed with the expectation that Grealish will likely be moving on. Good business though, sign Buendia for 30m, sell Grealish for 100+. So much money to re-invest.
 
Jack Grealish: Aston Villa determined to keep Man City target

Manchester City face a fight to sign £100m-rated Jack Grealish - with Aston Villa determined to keep their captain after opening talks on a new contract.

City manager Pep Guardiola is an admirer of the England midfielder, 25.

It is anticipated City will make a concerted attempt to sign Grealish this summer as part of an ambitious transfer plan which includes serious interest in England captain Harry Kane.

Grealish only signed a new five-year deal with Villa in September.

He is currently with England preparing for their last 16 Euro 2020 game against Germany at Wembley on Tuesday, having started his first game of the tournament in last week's 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.

The playmaker, who has been with his hometown club since the age of six, made his senior Villa debut in 2014.

Earlier his week, BBC Sport reported that City had taken the first steps towards trying to sign striker Kane from Tottenham.

Villa have already made their mark in the transfer market this summer by signing Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City in a club record £33m deal while they have also had a £25m offer for Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe turned down.

And Villa's ambitious owners Nassef Sawaris and Wes Edens have made these moves on the basis of Grealish staying at Villa Park.

Villa finished 11th in a much-improved campaign last season after only surviving relegation on the final day the year before and regard Grealish as the key component in their plans to move forward into contention for European football.

They are determined to put together an attractive package to keep Grealish - although it looks like City will attempt to test that resolve.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57610746
 
Aston Villa believe a deal can be done for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe and will submit a third offer for 20-year-old Englishman. (Football Insider)
 
Aston Villa have had a bid worth around £25m for midfielder James Ward-Prowse rejected by Southampton
 
Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen to sign Jamaica forward Leon Bailey.
 
Leon Bailey: Aston Villa sign Jamaica winger for £25m from Bayer Leverkusen

Aston Villa have signed winger Leon Bailey for £25m from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 23-year-old Jamaica international, who has scored 28 goals in 119 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen, has signed a deal until 2025.

"Leon is a hugely exciting young striker with great pace and creativity," said Villa boss Dean Smith.

"We are now looking forward to watching him show his skills and talents for Aston Villa in the Premier League."

Bailey becomes Villa's third signing of the summer after the arrival of Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City and Ashley Young from Inter Milan.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58084505
 
Out goes Grealish, but in comes Buendia and Bailey. Good business and still roughly £40m left of the Grealish transfer fee to spend.
 
Aston Villa have signed England striker Danny Ings from Southampton for £25m on a three-year deal.

The 29-year-old scored 14 goals last season for both club and country and joins summer recruits Leon Bailey, Emi Buendía and Ashley Young at Villa Park.

On the signing, head coach Dean Smith said: "Danny is an outstanding Premier League footballer who has scored goals wherever he has played.
 
Ings, Buendia and Bailey are fantastic signings, plus they have now £100m in the bank from Grealish’s sale.

They already have a top keeper. If Villa can use the Grealish money smartly, they could be a better team this season in spite of losing their talisman.
 
Mamoon said:
Ings, Buendia and Bailey are fantastic signings, plus they have now £100m in the bank from Grealish’s sale.

They already have a top keeper. If Villa can use the Grealish money smartly, they could be a better team this season in spite of losing their talisman.
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Ashley Young is back with us again having won Serie A in Italy, another shrewd signing imo his experience will be useful and his versatility provides flexibility, he played some of the best football of his career when Martin O’Neil was managing us (one of my favourite managers ever).
 
shaz619 said:
Top 10 would be more realistic and a good achievement, anything more would be exceeding expectations
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They finished 11th last time out and that was underperforming. They are clearly better than Leeds, Everton and Arsenal right now. Depends on Kane if stays or goes and I would rate them over Spurs even.
 
Aston Villa is delighted to announce the loan signing of Axel Tuanzebe from Manchester United.

The defender returns to Villa Park on a season-long arrangement.

Tuanzebe was a key member of the squad that helped Villa clinch promotion back to the Premier League in 2019.

The 23-year-old has made regular appearances in the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League for United over the past two seasons, impressing at both centre back and right back.
 
OldWarHorse said:
They finished 11th last time out and that was underperforming. They are clearly better than Leeds, Everton and Arsenal right now. Depends on Kane if stays or goes and I would rate them over Spurs even.
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They were too over reliant on Grealish which is the reason why I’ve put a top 10 as a solid achievement, with that being said the squad has been beef’s up but question is how a team responds when there is some adversity
 
1-0 loss to Southampton, their 5th loss in a row.

I think Dean Smith might be handed his P45 very soon.
 
Saj said:
1-0 loss to Southampton, their 5th loss in a row.

I think Dean Smith might be handed his P45 very soon.
Click to expand...

Plagued by some injuries to begin with and while some will allude to wasting the Grealish money, the team has simply failed to develop chemistry. Dean is a good manager but things could have started a bit better for him and should have signed a defensive midfielder.
 
[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] BREAKING news! They have sacked him! I am very shocked, I don’t know if this is the best move for the club at this stage, very balsy, who is even available right now…., very very harsh but lets see…
 
Aston Villa have sacked manager Dean Smith after three years in charge.

Smith, 50, leaves following Villa's 1-0 defeat by Southampton on Friday, the club's fifth successive defeat in the Premier League.

Villa are 15th in the league, two points above the relegation zone.

"This year we have not seen the continuous improvement in results, performances and league position which we have all been looking for," said Villa chief Christian Purslow.

He added: "For this reason we have decided to make a change now to allow time for a new head coach to make an impact."

Smith was appointed Villa manager in October 2018, guiding them to promotion from the Championship in his first season in charge.

Though they struggled in their first season in the top-flight, narrowly avoiding relegation, Smith led the club to the 2019-20 Carabao Cup final.

The 2020-21 season saw Villa achieve an 11th place finish in the Premier League, but after the departure of star player Jack Grealish to Manchester City in the summer, results started to slip.

The club have not won since they defeated Manchester United on 25 September, picking up just 10 points from the first 11 games of the season.

It is their worst losing run since January to February 2017 in the Championship.

Smith is the fifth managerial change in the top flight this season with Tottenham sacking Nuno Espirito Santo on Monday and Norwich dismissing Daniel Farke late on Saturday.

Watford sacked Xisco Munoz in October, while Steve Bruce left his role as Newcastle manager by mutual consent on 20 October.

Villa say the process to replace Smith has started.

"The board would like to sincerely thank Dean for his many excellent achievements, on and off the pitch, during this time," added Purslow.

"Everyone knows how much Aston Villa means to Dean and his family. He has represented the club with distinction and dignity - universally liked and respected by everybody associated with Aston Villa."
 
shaz619 said:
[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] BREAKING news! They have sacked him! I am very shocked, I don’t know if this is the best move for the club at this stage, very balsy, who is even available right now…., very very harsh but lets see…
Click to expand...

I'm guessing they've got someone else already lined up.
 
Steven Gerrard and Ralph Hasenhuttl being considered.
[MENTION=43583]KingKhanWC[/MENTION] Gerrard would be fantastic but am not sure he would come here because he is compatible with Rangers and also has the LFC job waiting once Klopp leaves, money talks and AVFC could be a nice transition to LFC, but it seems unlikely.
 
Steven Gerrard is open to a return to the Premier League, with the Rangers manager on Aston Villa's shortlist of candidates to replace Dean Smith.

Villa are continuing their search for a new manager after sacking Smith on Sunday, and they are considering other candidates.

The club expect to accelerate their efforts to secure a new manager in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Rangers say that no official contact has been made with them to speak to Gerrard.

Earlier this week, Sky Sports News reported Gerrard and Roberto Martinez were among the possible replacements for Smith at Villa Park, while Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has since ruled himself out of contention.

Gerrard is a close friend of Villa CEO Christian Purslow following their time together at Liverpool when Purslow was managing director.

Martinez is open to the possibility of a move back to the Premier League, having been with Belgium since 2016, during which time he has taken them to No 1 in the FIFA rankings.

The Spaniard was offered the job 10 years ago by Villa's former owner Randy Lerner but he opted to remain in charge of Wigan Athletic at the time.

Speaking on Sunday, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said his former Liverpool team-mate would be torn between joining Villa and staying with Rangers.

Carragher said: "I think Aston Villa as a club would be a great move for Steven Gerrard. But the situation he finds himself in right now is that he took the title away from Celtic last season, and he's in a great position to win it again. I think in a perfect world you'd want to stay at Rangers to the end of the season and come away from there with two titles.

"I mean, this is not something coming from Steven Gerrard but I think sooner or later there's going to be a great chance Steven Gerrard is going to come to the Premier League. But for me, it's a difficult one.

"If he got offered the Aston Villa job, I don't think there'd be many jobs in the Premier League which he would get offered better than that. People talk about Liverpool, and that might be another two or three years with Jurgen Klopp but you're not going to get any better jobs, so it would be a decision for him.

"But, in a perfect world, I think Steven Gerrard wants to come away from Rangers with another couple of trophies."

Paul Merson says the opportunity to manage Aston Villa in the Premier League could prove too difficult for Steven Gerrard to turn down and insists Frank Lampard should also be in the mix to succeed Dean Smith.

"It's going to be hard to prise Steven Gerrard away, he's managing a massive club in Glasgow Rangers," Merson told Sky Sports News.

"He's got them buzzing again; he stopped Celtic winning 10 in a row, they are in the Europa League, and they've got a chance of winning the Scottish Premiership.

SKY
 
Aston Villa have appointed Steven Gerrard as manager on a three-and-a-half year deal, ending his three-year reign at Rangers.

The former Liverpool captain, 41, leaves the Scottish champions having guided them to a first league title in 10 years last season.

Gerrard replaces Dean Smith, who was sacked on Sunday after a run of five successive defeats.

Villa are 16th in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone.

"Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am immensely proud to become its new head coach," said Gerrard.

"In my conversations with Nassef [Sawiris], Wes [Edens] and the rest of the board, it was apparent how ambitious their plans are for the club and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims."

BBC
 
It’s surprising he has signed in terms of the challenging situation he finds himself in but I am certain Purslow was key in getting him to agree, Gerrard wont have the luxury of the summer transfer window or have the ability to implement his philosophy instantly, so the club will need to support him because he has some big shoes to fill, if in the worst case scenario we are relegated, Gerrard needs a long rope and I feel Purslow may have guaranteed it. We desperately want to compete for European football but need to be realistic, this season we need to survive and reboot from there / give Gerrard some space to build a system that works.
 
Still a mid table side unless some Arab consortium take over the club:Dah
 
Ezri Konsa scored twice as Aston Villa came from behind to return to winning ways under new boss Steven Gerrard by beating Leicester in an exciting Premier League encounter.

Having suffered defeat for the first time in Gerrard's embryonic reign at home to Manchester City in midweek, Villa again fell behind to Harvey Barnes' opener for the Foxes.

However, defender Konsa touched home Emi Buendia's header to equalise almost immediately and nodded home a deep second-half corner to make it three wins from four since Gerrard took charge.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers dropped Jamie Vardy to hand Patson Daka a first Premier League start and the Zambia striker set up Barnes to coolly slot through Konsa's legs and past Emi Martinez.

The advantage lasted just three minutes, Buendia craning his neck muscles to propel Matty Cash's cushioned header towards the bottom corner, with Konsa poking home to make sure.

Villa thought they were ahead on the stroke of half-time as Kasper Schmeichel parried another Cash knockdown and Jacob Ramsey fired home but the keeper had one hand on the grounded ball and Michael Oliver correctly ruled the goal out after a check from the video assistant referee.

In the end, it mattered little as Konsa punished Leicester's ongoing set-piece shortcomings by nodding home John McGinn's corner to push Villa above the Foxes into 10th place.

Villa should have won by more as Ollie Watkins and Ramsey wasted glorious chances on the break although the hosts needed a fantastic fingertip save from Martinez to thwart a Barnes header and seal the points.
 
Villa absolutely deserved to win this one. Leicester were really poor in the second half and practically seemed to stop playing for a while. Villa were a tad unlucky to have that first half goal chalked off by VAR anyway and should definitely have won by 3 or 4. Ollie Watkins was exciting to watch.
 
Jacob Ramsey said he wants to emulate Steven Gerrard in becoming "one of the best goalscoring midfielders" after a magnificent solo effort helped Aston Villa win 2-0 at Norwich.

The 20-year-old ran at the Canaries defence from inside his own half before thumping the ball past Tim Krul to break the deadlock at Carrow Road.

Ollie Watkins sidefooted home Carney Chukwuemeka's low delivery to complete the scoring and deepen Norwich's relegation fears.

"I've been watching clips of the gaffer," Ramsey told BT Sport. "He was one of the best goalscoring midfielders and that's what I want to be.

"I saw Ollie [Watkins] knock it off, there was no-one there, so I thought 'why not?'"

Gerrard has now won four of his six games as Villa boss since replacing Dean Smith - now in charge at Norwich - last month.

And the former England captain was thrilled with Ramsey's effort.

"As a midfielder, you can only applaud that kind of play," Gerrard said. "To then unleash a shot like that - it should be in the running for goal of the month."

The victory lifts the visitors into the top half of the Premier League before Wednesday's fixtures - proving the perfect response to Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Liverpool - while Norwich remain rooted to the foot of the table.

"It's a big win, an important win," Gerrard told BBC Match of the Day. "The first half was outstanding. It comes off a very challenging week. The application [from the players] at Anfield - they maxed out there.

"It's a bright start, but it's my job to keep pushing the standards."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59558243
 
4 wins out of 5 for Gerrard’s Villa. Very impressive.
 
Philippe Coutinho: Aston Villa among a number of clubs watching Barcelona midfielder's situation

Aston Villa are one of a number of Premier League clubs watching Philippe Coutinho's situation as the Barcelona outcast seeks to leave the Nou Camp.

Barca are desperate to move the 29-year-old Brazil playmaker on after agreeing a deal to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City for £55m.

Villa manager Steven Gerrard is a huge admirer of Coutinho, who he played with at Liverpool.

He has also been linked with Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle United and Spurs.

Coutinho is also keen for a fresh start as he tries to revive a career that has stalled badly since his £142m move from Liverpool in January 2018, although he did win the Champions League in 2020 while on loan at Bayern Munich from Barcelona.

Getting rid of Coutinho could ease Barcelona's wage bill, which has meant they have been unable to register Torres as a player after signing him on 28 December.

The Brazilian was a key figure alongside Gerrard when Liverpool almost won the Premier League is 2014 and the idea of being reunited with his inspirational former captain may well hold appeal for a player with designs on joining a club of high ambition when he leaves Barcelona.

Gerrard is exploring options to strengthen his squad after leaving Rangers to succeed Dean Smith at Villa in November but says he will not be rushed into deals.

He said: "We won't sign players for the sake of it just to add volume. We are looking and assessing certain players for certain positions in the squad."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59886751
 
Philippe Coutinho: Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard says Barcelona playmaker is 'special footballer'

Steven Gerrard says Philippe Coutinho is a "special footballer" but will not say whether Aston Villa are trying to sign his former Liverpool team-mate.

Villa are among a number of Premier League clubs monitoring Coutinho, 29.

The Brazil playmaker played alongside Villa boss Gerrard when Liverpool almost won the Premier League in 2014.

"He is someone I've got an incredible amount of respect for, but I don't want to add to speculation because he belongs to Barcelona," said Gerrard.

"I don't think you get a nickname of 'The Magician' if you're not a special footballer.

"I've got nothing but positive things to say about the player. He's a friend of mine so if I'm asked the questions I can speak for as long as you want. But if you're trying to link it to any speculation or catch me out you're in for a long afternoon."

Coutinho's career has stalled since his £142m move from Liverpool in January 2018 and is keen for a fresh start.

The 29-year-old moved to Anfield from Inter Milan in January 2013 and spent two and a half years playing alongside Gerrard before the former England captain left for Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer of 2015.

Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham have also been linked with the player.

"He's won two league titles at Barcelona, two Copa del Reys. If you go and have a look at his Wiki page you'll see a serial winner wherever he goes," said Gerrard, who succeeded Dean Smith as Villa boss in November.

"He's won 63 caps for Brazil, played for Barcelona and was incredible at Liverpool.

"So I can understand why he's linked to a lot of football clubs. I can understand why a lot of supporters up and down the country are speaking about him."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59899688
 
Premier League outfit have confirmed the capture of former Liverpool maestro Philippe Coutinho on a six-month loan deal.

The 29-year-old will reunite with former Reds captain Steven Gerrard, who is now at the helm of the Villians as manager.

"Aston Villa and FC Barcelona have agreed terms for Philippe Coutinho to spend the rest of this season on loan at Villa Park," the club confirmed in a statement.

"The agreement, which is subject to the player completing a medical and receiving a work permit, also includes an option to buy and Philippe will travel to Birmingham in the next 48 hours."

https://www.news24.com/sport/soccer...errard-at-villa-in-6-month-loan-deal-20220107
 
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Good move to get Coutinho, he is a special player.

However Im not sure he will sign with Villa on a permanent basis after his loan spell ends. Surely he will want to be play in Europe esp the CL.
 
What a boon for Villa.

Coutinho is a brilliant footballer.
 
Philippe Coutinho has completed his Aston Villa medical and will be ready to play in Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester United.
Coutinho is currently in France completing paperwork for his work permit and will join up with his new team-mates on Wednesday to take part in his first training session.
 
Aston Villa have signed Everton left-back Lucas Digne in a deal worth up to £25m.

It follows several days of negotiations, in which Villa beat off interest from Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham.

Steven Gerrard brings in his second signing as manager following the arrival of his former Liverpool team-mate Philippe Coutinho, with Brighton's midfielder Yves Bissouma also a target
 
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard says new signing Philippe Coutinho is "hungry to play" but he will not rush the Brazilian into action.

Coutinho has joined Villa on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old could make his debut in Saturday's Premier League match with Manchester United, though Gerrard says he is still short of match fitness.

"He is a fantastic talent, we are lucky to have him and, at the right time, he will be unleashed," said Gerrard.

Gerrard added: "His name alone inspires people. What he has done in the game inspires people. I have no doubt at all we will see the real Philippe Coutinho in time."

Coutinho joined the club on January 7 but only arrived in the UK this week and trained with his new team-mates for the first time on Wednesday.

His last competitive appearance was as a late substitute for Barcelona against Osasuna in La Liga on 12 December.

"He is hungry to play. If we can get him feeling good and the confidence back, Phil Coutinho is still inside Phil Coutinho," said Gerrard, who played alongside him at Liverpool.

"He's not match fit because over at Barcelona he has been doing a lot of individual training, training in small groups and he had a Covid situation.

"He has trained fully for the last couple of days and there's still a fantastic player there for sure. It's great to have him, he's been smiling away and it's my job to get him settled as soon as possible."

Another player who could make his debut on Saturday is France defender Lucas Digne, who became Villa's second signing of the window when he joined from Everton earlier this week.

Gerrard says the new arrivals highlight the club's ambition and he has not ruled out more fresh faces moving to Villa Park before the end of the month.

"It shows the intent from the top all the way down. We are delighted to have Lucas, with his pedigree," added the former England captain.

"In terms of more business, we'll have to wait and see. I don't want to say too much but I am delighted with the backing I have had so far."

BBC
 
#AVFC have completed the signing of goalkeeper Robin Olsen from Roma on loan until the end of the season.

- talkSPORT sources understand.
 
<b>Jacob Ramsey: Young midfielder who is 'not following in anyone's footsteps'</b>>

It says all you need to know about Jacob Ramsey that in a rollercoaster game in which the third most expensive player in football history registered a goal and two assists, many of those in attendance at Villa Park will spend as much time reflecting on the display of a 20-year-old from Great Barr.

The superb six-goal thriller with Leeds showcased numerous stellar displays, including Daniel James for the visitors and Philippe Coutinho for the home side, but nothing quite excites like "one of your own".

And Ramsey is very much that - Birmingham-born, a Villa academy graduate and now a fully fledged first-teamer with rave reviews following almost every display.

Wednesday's game set a new benchmark for the young midfielder, drawing the most effusive praise yet from a manager who still has work to do but is now starting to see his attacking gameplan bear fruit.

"Jacob Ramsey is Jacob Ramsey," Gerrard told BT Sport. "He's not following in anyone's footsteps.

"He will be a terrific player. It won't be long before the whole country is watching him I'm sure. He is right up there, let me tell you."

Clearly Ramsey remains a work in progress, with 42 Premier League games under his belt, but 20 of them coming this season as a regular component of the Villa midfield.

He has scored goals before, including a wonderful solo effort in a 2-0 win at Norwich in December.

But his two against Leeds came with some authority, courtesy of the kind of powerful, driving runs and calm but clinical finishes of a player in full control of his game and steered where he can most do damage.

It is not an exaggeration to say that they were reminiscent of the kind of goals Gerrard himself scored during his 18-year playing career, spent predominantly driving through midfield and lashing in for Liverpool for England.

"He has given me a lot of confidence," said Ramsey of Gerrard after the game. "I grew up watching him so now he's a gaffer I can only take his advice.

"I'm obviously over the moon to get two goals at Villa Park in a big game but we let in two silly goals so I'm still disappointed."

In the BT Sport studio for the game was ex-West Ham and Chelsea player Joe Cole, another former England midfielder who knows a thing or two about devastating runs and finishes from midfield.

"Jacob Ramsey catches the eye," he said. "He is so athletic.

"I have seen little glimpses of him before, but this is the first time I have seen him live. I am so impressed with the timing of his runs and his intelligence as well.

"I spoke to some of the Villa guys before about him and they said he is a sponge, he wants to learn and to take it all in."

This will be music to the ears of Villa fans who had to cope with the loss of their previous homegrown hero, Jack Grealish, in the summer.
 
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard, speaking to MOTD: "We've been on the back of some sticky form of late but credit to the players they stuck at. We came out of the blocks in good form today and put in a really strong performance.

"In the main we owned the pitch out of possession today and all our good stuff came from that. We looked the most dangerous team throughout.

"The focus and concentration from the boys today out of possession was superb.

"The performance was there against Watford. Against Newcastle the performance and the rest was not there. We needed to be more clinical and inventive in the final third and we were today."
 
Aston Villa 4-0 Southampton

<b>Philippe Coutinho starred as Aston Villa produced a magnificent all-round display to win consecutive Premier League games for the first time since November and end Southampton's six-match unbeaten run.</b>

The Brazilian, who joined Villa on loan from Barcelona in January, played a role in the first two goals, before scoring the third as Villa emphatically ended a four-game winless streak at Villa Park and produced their biggest win under manager Steven Gerrard.

After a smart Coutinho pass Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins linked up, the latter turning Jack Stephens before curling into the far corner for the opening goal after nine minutes.

The second came on the stroke of half-time as Calum Chambers superbly lofted over the Saints defence with the outside of his boot for Coutinho to cushion across to compatriot Douglas Luiz who tapped home for his first league goal since January 2020.

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl brought on Yan Valery at half-time and switched to a back five, but Coutinho drilled home a third from the right side of the area, before Ings swept home a Matty Cash cutback against his former club in the opening 10 minutes of the half to end any hopes of a comeback.

The win sees Villa climb to 11th, just outside the top half on goal difference, while Southampton remain ninth.

As at all Premier League games this weekend, there was a show of solidarity and support for Ukraine after the invasion by Russia, with the Aston Villa fans applauding and Southampton fans holding up blue and yellow scarves.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60531443
 
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard wants the club to exercise their option to sign Philippe Coutinho for 40m euros (£33.5m). However, the 29-year-old Brazilian, who has impressed during his loan spell from Barcelona, must cut his £480,000-a-week wages to join the Premier League side. (Telegraph)

Villa may also target England midfielder Kalvin Phillips if Leeds are relegated to the Championship. The Villa board have discussed a move for the 26-year-old and the recruitment team are keen on him. (Athletic)
 
Coutinho has been a breath of fresh air for Villa at a time when their form was dipping.

Gerrard doing a fine job in his first season at the club.
 
<b>Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard speaking after his side’s 0-1 loss to Arsenal at home:</b>

"We were really indecisive first half, and lacked belief collectively. We were dominated and second best, but still in a position at half time to do something about it.

"We deserved to be behind in the first half. We were second best. We set up to be aggressive but lacked belief in what we were doing. I thought certain individuals lacked belief. It’s hard to execute a game plan if not everyone believes in what you are doing.

"We improved second half and believed more. As the game went on, we got into better positions. We improved, but no complaints about the scoreline. I don't think teams like Arsenal are a step too far, but there is a gap we need to close. We are working on that. We've got to make it a lot more difficult in the first half, because the reaction we got was much more like us.

"Do I think we deserved to win? No, but I believe we should have got a draw out of the game."

"The league doesn’t lie. Certain teams are ahead of us at the moment and there’s a reason for that. We’ve got to grab it off them, believe in what we’re doing and get support from up above.

"I’m emotional, I care, I don’t like getting beat."
 
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<b>Wolves 2-1 Villa</b>

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard warned his players they are playing for their futures after they lost at Wolves - a result that boosted the hosts' hopes of playing in Europe next season.

Wolves had looked in control when Spain defender Jonny struck a crisp half-volley after only seven minutes before Villa defender Ashley Young inadvertently headed into his own net to make it 2-0.

A controversial 86th-minute penalty from England striker Ollie Watkins, after he was fouled by goalkeeper Jose Sa, gave Villa hope of leaving Molineux with a draw.

They had a chance to grab an unlikely point, but Matty Cash's 95th-minute volley was saved by Sa.

However, Gerrard, whose side have now lost three games in a row for the first time since he replaced the sacked Dean Smith in November, was unhappy with his players.

"It's a game we never turned up for," the former England captain said. "We're playing Wolves, a local rival, but you can't come to derbies at half time.

"We're looking like a 45-minute team and that's on me - we gifted Wolves two goals. I've got to fix it and I will fix it.

"The players in the building have to help me fix it now. If not, we will get players in who will help me fix it."

The victory took Wolves above West Ham and five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal in the final Champions League spot - although the Gunners have three games in hand.

For Wolves, it was a third victory in seven games, even if in the end it was tighter than they might have liked.

They are now seventh in the Premier League and, if they stay there, will qualify for next season's Europa Conference League - as long as Crystal Palace do not win the FA Cup (in which case the Eagles would play in Europe instead).

Wolves are trying to secure European football for the second time in four seasons after reaching the Europa League quarter-finals in 2019-20.

Despite being without midfielder Ruben Neves, out for a month with a knee injury, and suspended striker Raul Jimenez after his red card against Leeds, Bruno Lage's side looked a threat every time they attacked against a surprisingly vulnerable Villa defence.

Wolves went ahead after only seven minutes when Villa's John McGinn slipped and lost possession before team-mate Ezri Konsa also fell over. That enabled the hosts to counter, with Jonny scoring with a great strike after Lucas Digne had blocked Fabio Silva's shot.

It was Jonny's second goal in consecutive matches in only his sixth appearance of the season, after being out for 10 months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 36th minute in fortunate circumstances when Young, on in place of the injured Digne, slipped when trying to deal with Marcal's left-wing cross and headed into his own net.

Wolves threw away a 2-0 lead against Leeds before losing 3-2 on 18 March, and their fans would have been fearing a repeat late on at Molineux.

Villa's best chances in the first half came from long distance, with Philippe Coutinho narrowly firing a free-kick over and Leon Bailey having an excellent effort tipped over by goalkeeper Jose Sa.

Watkins, who scored for England in their 3-0 win over Ivory Coast on Tuesday, twice had chances to halve the deficit before Wolves substitute Hwang Hee-chan almost added another for the hosts within two minutes of coming on, but shot wide.

When Watkins was fouled by Sa, he converted the penalty for his eighth Premier League goal of the season to set up a frantic finale. Poland right-back Cash had the chance to equalise, but his injury-time volley was excellently saved by Sa.

"It's the same feeling we had against Leeds," said Wolves boss Bruno Lage. "That's why 2-0 is so dangerous, especially in this competition.

"I'm happy because we won. We played the way we wanted to play. The game plan was perfect.

"We need that mentality to kill the game, score the third goal and not to give hope to the opponent."

Villa dropped to 10th in the Premier League but do not have much to play for, now 13 points behind Wolves and 14 clear of the relegation zone.
 
<b>Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey signs new five-year deal</b>

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey has signed a new deal with the club that runs until 2027.

The 20-year-old has been with the Midlands club since he was six and made his first-team debut in a Championship game against West Bromwich Albion in February 2019.

The England Under-21 international has made 30 Premier League appearances for Villa this season, scoring six goals.

"It's a proud moment for me, especially for my family," said Ramsey.

"I've been here a long time now, come through the academy, and to sign for another five years at this club, I'm over the moon."

Villa, managed by former England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, are 15th in the Premier League.

"I think everyone knows that the owners, Christian [Purslow, chief executive] and the gaffer have got big ambitions," added Ramsey.

"So I think the obvious one is to play European football.

"My plan for the next five years is to get this club playing European football again."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61236213
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aston Villa are really confident to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barça on a permanent deal. It’s confirmed on Barcelona side too, per <a href="https://twitter.com/ffpolo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ffpolo</a>: talks progressing. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVFC</a><br><br>More: Aston Villa are set to reach full agreement with Coutinho on his salary/deal. It’s up to the clubs now. <a href="https://t.co/rMSssu2YDq">pic.twitter.com/rMSssu2YDq</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1523763297501077506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Villa are playing superbly against Liverpool tonight. Very brave tactical setup from Stevie G.
 
Gerrard showing his experience at costing Liverpool the league :steyn
 
Aston Villa have signed former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal from Barcelona.

The Brazilian, 29, moved to Villa Park on loan in January in a deal which included an option to buy at the end of the season.

He has now signed on a deal running until 2026 for an undisclosed fee.

"Phil is a model professional and his impact on the group has been very clear since he joined in January," said manager Steven Gerrard.

"This is a brilliant signing for Aston Villa.

"With the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch, he's also a valuable role model for our younger players who can only benefit from his experience.

"As we look to build towards next season, it is incredible to work at a club that executes its business so decisively and smoothly."

Coutinho has scored four goals and provided three assists to help Villa to safety.

He joined Barcelona in a £142m move from Liverpool in January 2018 and had 12 months to run on his contract.

Gerrard, who was Coutinho's captain at Liverpool, made it clear after Saturday's impressive 3-1 win at Burnley that he wanted to sign Coutinho permanently.

Coutinho scored 54 goals in 201 appearances for Liverpool, who he joined in a £8.5m move from Inter Milan in January 2013.

BBC
 
Massive game tonight at Villa Park.

Aston Villa’s last home game of the season and they will want to put on a show. Whereas Burnley are in a very different situation and are trying to avoid relegation.

Burnley can keep themselves well in the hunt to stay in the Premier League by getting one point here (or all three), but if Villa win, then things will suddenly be looking a bit bleak for Burnley going into the final day.
 
James said:
Fantastic signing. Bit of a coup.
Click to expand...

4 goals and something like 3 assists is not flattering but will reserve judgement until the end of next season to judge how he will respond to regular play and some stability.

But fair play to him for his commitment to the club because we certainly can’t afford to pay him what he was getting in Spain.
 
James said:
Massive game tonight at Villa Park.

Aston Villa’s last home game of the season and they will want to put on a show. Whereas Burnley are in a very different situation and are trying to avoid relegation.

Burnley can keep themselves well in the hunt to stay in the Premier League by getting one point here (or all three), but if Villa win, then things will suddenly be looking a bit bleak for Burnley going into the final day.
Click to expand...

Next season will be the big test for team of Gerrard and Purslow, minimum top 10 needed and competing for European football which wont be easy, you look at a team like West Ham and at one point they were challenging for CL football, that’s where you need to be.

Yep, for most this Burnley game is the final game of the season :afridi
 
Boubacar Kamara signs five-year deal at Villa Park

Aston Villa sign Boubacar Kamara on five-year contract; Marseille holding midfielder will leave French club after running down his deal; 22-year-old has just been called up to the France side; "When I met with Steven [Gerrard] in my home I knew Aston Villa was for me," Kamara said

Aston Villa have signed Boubacar Kamara on a five-year contract with the midfielder joining on a free transfer when his Marseille contract runs out.

The 22-year-old will move to Villa Park after helping Marseille qualify for the Champions League by finishing second in Ligue 1.

Kamara said: "When I met with Steven [Gerrard], Christian [Purslow, chief executive] and Johan [Lange, sporting director] in my home I knew Aston Villa was for me. Their ambition and determination to succeed matches my own. I cannot wait for pre-season to get going."

Villa boss Steven Gerrard added: "I am delighted that we have been able to attract one of the most promising young talents in European football.

"We have a very clear plan to make our team stronger and Bouba is an important part of that."

As well as helping Marseille to second in Ligue 1, Kamara helped the club to the Europa Conference League semi-finals, where they were beaten by Feyenoord.

Kamara came through the academy at Marseille and made over 100 first-team appearances for the club. He becomes Villa's second signing of the summer after the permanent arrival of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.

Boubacar Kamara's signing is yet another example of Aston Villa's ability to operate swiftly and effectively in the transfer market. Less than 24 hours after reports started to emerge that the Premier League side were close to signing the 22-year-old, his arrival at Villa Park has been confirmed.

The French midfielder follows the likes of Danny Ings and Calum Chambers, whose moves to Villa took many by surprise, breaking the mould of the month-long sagas that many potential transfers become.

Kamara looks like being a shrewd signing by Villa - signing a player that has just been called up to represent the world champions on a free transfer is not an opportunity that presents itself every day.

It is no surprise that clubs across Europe were reported to be interested in Kamara, who was a key part of the Marseille side that qualified for the Champions League under Jorge Sampaoli. The charismatic Argentinian's team were second to champions Paris Saint-Germain in the majority of possession statistics this season, and Kamara was a key cog in their midfield, ranking first for passes completed among all Ligue 1 midfielders.

The Marseille academy product largely played as a holding midfielder under Sampaoli this season, but he also filled in at centre-back on occasions. Marseille had one of the strongest defences in the French top flight and Kamara was again key, ranking in the top 10 for clearances and aerial duels won among midfielders.

Steven Gerrard has been open about his desire to keep adding quality to his Villa squad, and Kamara looks as though he will do just that.

skysports
 
Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Diego Carlos from Sevilla for £26m
 
Aston Villa are among a number of Premier League clubs who have made enquiries about Rangers' highly-rated defender Calvin Bassey.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING! Aston Villa have signed Diego Carlos for approximately £26m from Sevilla FC. <a href="https://t.co/zrEHGpFShR">pic.twitter.com/zrEHGpFShR</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1532070085141008384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Aston Villa have signed goalkeeper Robin Olsen on a permanent deal, for an undisclosed fee, following his loan spell at the club last season.
 
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