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Aston Villa | 2022/23 Season
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Bournemouth marked their return to the Premier League with a confident opening-weekend victory (2-0) over Aston Villa at the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries took the lead on three minutes - with Villa temporarily down to 10 men as Villa left-back Lucas Digne was off the pitch to remove jewellery. Debutant Marcus Tavernier's corner was headed down by Lloyd Kelly for Jefferson Lerma to fire home.
They should have taken a two-goal lead into the interval but Kieffer Moore was unable to meet Adam Smith's low ball into the box, which was played through by the excellent Dominic Solanke.
Wales international Moore did double the home side's lead on 80 minutes, however, with a commanding header after Kelly played a dangerous cross back into Villa's area.
Danny Ings had a shot saved by Cherries keeper Mark Travers, and new Villa captain John McGinn saw a long-range drive go high and wide but it was debutant Boubacar Kamara who had gone closest to an equaliser for the visitors. The French midfielder - a free transfer from Marseille - found himself in space and unleashed a right-footed effort from 30 yards out that just went wide of Travers' post.
Championship runners-up Bournemouth visit defending Premier League champions Manchester City next, while Villa welcome Everton.
The Cherries took the lead on three minutes - with Villa temporarily down to 10 men as Villa left-back Lucas Digne was off the pitch to remove jewellery. Debutant Marcus Tavernier's corner was headed down by Lloyd Kelly for Jefferson Lerma to fire home.
They should have taken a two-goal lead into the interval but Kieffer Moore was unable to meet Adam Smith's low ball into the box, which was played through by the excellent Dominic Solanke.
Wales international Moore did double the home side's lead on 80 minutes, however, with a commanding header after Kelly played a dangerous cross back into Villa's area.
Danny Ings had a shot saved by Cherries keeper Mark Travers, and new Villa captain John McGinn saw a long-range drive go high and wide but it was debutant Boubacar Kamara who had gone closest to an equaliser for the visitors. The French midfielder - a free transfer from Marseille - found himself in space and unleashed a right-footed effort from 30 yards out that just went wide of Travers' post.
Championship runners-up Bournemouth visit defending Premier League champions Manchester City next, while Villa welcome Everton.
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Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard, speaking to BBC Sport: "It's not the result we came here for. We have had 90 minutes and we have not created enough. Our quality in the final third was miles off. Our speed of play could have been quicker and we could have added more intensity into our play. We have only ourselves to blame for the result.
"We have concede two sloppy ones and we need to work on that and address it. We have put all our attacking players on the pitch and we haven't tested their keeper enough."
"We have concede two sloppy ones and we need to work on that and address it. We have put all our attacking players on the pitch and we haven't tested their keeper enough."
Amjid Javed
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long tough season ahead for villa and Gerrard.
shaz619
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Gerrard will need to overcome his SPL syndrome. This is the big leagues.
Amjid Javed
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wont be shocked if hes gone by end of season.
James
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Wow Villa. Shocking.
Gerrard under pressure. He has dropped Mings and stripped him of the captaincy & this seems to have backfired.
Gerrard under pressure. He has dropped Mings and stripped him of the captaincy & this seems to have backfired.
shaz619
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He has been one of the inspirational leaders in the locker room and at the back, Gerrard thinks he is bigger then the club
shaz619
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Just another example of a former player with a huge ego except he is no good as a coach and thinks he is bigger then the team, unfortunately his apprenticeship in EPL may last beyond a season due to his relationships with management
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Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard says he will select Tyrone Mings again when he "looks me in the eye and shows that he's ready to play".
Gerrard made John McGinn the new Villa captain in place of Mings last month.
And England centre-half Mings, 29, was an unused substitute as Villa started the season with a 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday.
"When I made the decision over the captaincy, I set him that challenge," Gerrard told BBC Radio WM.
"We said to Tyrone 'if you get back to your consistent best, you'll be back in the team'."
At the time, Mings said he had "no issues" with losing the captaincy but asked after Saturday's game if Mings' omission was down to his reaction, Gerrard replied: "It's a little bit of that.
"He's also missed some training time with an injury and there's a niggle in the background as well.
"When Tyrone is back at his best and looks me in the eye and shows that he's ready to play, he'll get opportunities."
Asked if Villa missed Mings' presence on the pitch at the Vitality Stadium, Gerrard added: "I think people might talk about that.
"The easy thing to do after a defeat is look at the people who weren't on the pitch.
"We had enough quality on the pitch to win that game. I'm confident of that."
BBC
Gerrard made John McGinn the new Villa captain in place of Mings last month.
And England centre-half Mings, 29, was an unused substitute as Villa started the season with a 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday.
"When I made the decision over the captaincy, I set him that challenge," Gerrard told BBC Radio WM.
"We said to Tyrone 'if you get back to your consistent best, you'll be back in the team'."
At the time, Mings said he had "no issues" with losing the captaincy but asked after Saturday's game if Mings' omission was down to his reaction, Gerrard replied: "It's a little bit of that.
"He's also missed some training time with an injury and there's a niggle in the background as well.
"When Tyrone is back at his best and looks me in the eye and shows that he's ready to play, he'll get opportunities."
Asked if Villa missed Mings' presence on the pitch at the Vitality Stadium, Gerrard added: "I think people might talk about that.
"The easy thing to do after a defeat is look at the people who weren't on the pitch.
"We had enough quality on the pitch to win that game. I'm confident of that."
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Everton manager Frank Lampard on injuries in the squad and their approach to the transfer window: [Injuries] have contributed to our thinking. We have been planning this window for a long time, since I have been here and the back end of last season.
"It is important to do that, but then there are always factors you can't control, like Dominic's [Calvert-Lewin] injury last week going into Chelsea and the two major injuries in the Chelsea game.
"We do have numbers, defensively, in those areas. Conor Coady came in this week, which is a big deal for us. It is up to us to find the priorities and keep the squad as strong as we can have it."
"It is important to do that, but then there are always factors you can't control, like Dominic's [Calvert-Lewin] injury last week going into Chelsea and the two major injuries in the Chelsea game.
"We do have numbers, defensively, in those areas. Conor Coady came in this week, which is a big deal for us. It is up to us to find the priorities and keep the squad as strong as we can have it."
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Danny Ings and Emiliano Buendia scored to get Aston Villa's Premier League campaign up and running with victory over Everton (2-1) as Steven Gerrard got one over on his old midfield rival Frank Lampard.
The two were facing each other as managers for the first time after years of battles on the pitch in games between Liverpool and Chelsea.
Both had overseen losses in their Premier League openers and it was Gerrard's side who claimed their first win of the season with a dominant display at Villa Park.
The home side looked on it from the start and got the breakthrough midway through the first half when Ollie Watkins, making his first start of the season, found strike partner Ings inside the box and he turned sharply before firing clinically into the back of the net.
Everton, once again playing without a recognised striker, did not manage a shot on target in the first half, although they did see an Anthony Gordon effort ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside.
Substitute Buendia saw a deflected shot cleared off the line as Vila pressed for a second, which duly arrived in the closing stages when Buendia stabbed in following a good move.
Lucas Digne turned a cross into his own net immediately after to give Everton hope, and they staged a late rally as Gordon was twice denied by Martinez, but Villa held firm to take the three points.
The two were facing each other as managers for the first time after years of battles on the pitch in games between Liverpool and Chelsea.
Both had overseen losses in their Premier League openers and it was Gerrard's side who claimed their first win of the season with a dominant display at Villa Park.
The home side looked on it from the start and got the breakthrough midway through the first half when Ollie Watkins, making his first start of the season, found strike partner Ings inside the box and he turned sharply before firing clinically into the back of the net.
Everton, once again playing without a recognised striker, did not manage a shot on target in the first half, although they did see an Anthony Gordon effort ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside.
Substitute Buendia saw a deflected shot cleared off the line as Vila pressed for a second, which duly arrived in the closing stages when Buendia stabbed in following a good move.
Lucas Digne turned a cross into his own net immediately after to give Everton hope, and they staged a late rally as Gordon was twice denied by Martinez, but Villa held firm to take the three points.
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Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrad, speaking to BBC Sport:
"I'm really pleased with our level of performance, I believed that if we found that level there would be a different outcome from last week.
"What we put in this week, the quality and the goals we scored, no-one can challenge the outcome, I thought we deserved it.
"We looked a different team today. It was tough conditions for both sets of players, but they were excellent in terms of the game plan. We really wanted to make it about their back three, and both goals have come off that."
"I'm really pleased with our level of performance, I believed that if we found that level there would be a different outcome from last week.
"What we put in this week, the quality and the goals we scored, no-one can challenge the outcome, I thought we deserved it.
"We looked a different team today. It was tough conditions for both sets of players, but they were excellent in terms of the game plan. We really wanted to make it about their back three, and both goals have come off that."
James
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Gerrard obviously talking up Villa but they looked pretty poor for most of the game, a lot of questions to answer for them still and Everton could have easily nicked a draw from that game.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Extremely happy" ��<br><br>Steven Gerrard discusses Aston Villa's plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window �� <a href="https://t.co/449KT6zNHf">pic.twitter.com/449KT6zNHf</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1560560211655462913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Wilfried Zaha scored twice as Crystal Palace earned their first win of the season after coming from a goal down to beat Aston Villa in a lively encounter at Selhurst Park.
Villa got off to the perfect start when Ollie Watkins fired low past Vicente Guaita to give the visitors a fifth-minute lead.
But Palace restored parity on the counter less than three minutes later through the impressive Zaha, who shook off Ezri Konsa and beat Emiliano Martinez with a low shot.
The hosts thought they had turned the game on its head when Jeffrey Schlupp struck after 26 minutes only for VAR to adjudge that Odsonne Edouard had strayed offside before finding the Ghana midfielder.
However, VAR later awarded Palace a penalty after Marc Guehi's back-post header struck Lucas Digne's arm, with Zaha scoring on the rebound having seen his spot-kick saved by Martinez.
Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta wrapped up the win for Palace with a well-taken strike - only a minute after replacing Edouard.
On target in the draw at Liverpool on Monday, Zaha took centre stage for Palace once again as he inspired Patrick Vieira's side to a deserved win with a typically all-action display.
But Zaha and his team-mates had to do it the hard way after Watkins struck early for Villa, sweeping a confident shot into the bottom corner after Tyrone Mings' long ball was flicked on by Leon Bailey.
Palace responded strongly, however, and were back on level terms when Zaha scored on the counter just moment after Villa playmaker Emiliano Buendia had seen a penalty appeal waved away following Cheick Doucoure's challenge.
The hosts pushed for a second before the break but were frustrated as Schlupp misjudged a free header before being denied by VAR, while Edouard's appeal for a penalty was turned down following a tussle with Mings.
BBC
Villa got off to the perfect start when Ollie Watkins fired low past Vicente Guaita to give the visitors a fifth-minute lead.
But Palace restored parity on the counter less than three minutes later through the impressive Zaha, who shook off Ezri Konsa and beat Emiliano Martinez with a low shot.
The hosts thought they had turned the game on its head when Jeffrey Schlupp struck after 26 minutes only for VAR to adjudge that Odsonne Edouard had strayed offside before finding the Ghana midfielder.
However, VAR later awarded Palace a penalty after Marc Guehi's back-post header struck Lucas Digne's arm, with Zaha scoring on the rebound having seen his spot-kick saved by Martinez.
Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta wrapped up the win for Palace with a well-taken strike - only a minute after replacing Edouard.
On target in the draw at Liverpool on Monday, Zaha took centre stage for Palace once again as he inspired Patrick Vieira's side to a deserved win with a typically all-action display.
But Zaha and his team-mates had to do it the hard way after Watkins struck early for Villa, sweeping a confident shot into the bottom corner after Tyrone Mings' long ball was flicked on by Leon Bailey.
Palace responded strongly, however, and were back on level terms when Zaha scored on the counter just moment after Villa playmaker Emiliano Buendia had seen a penalty appeal waved away following Cheick Doucoure's challenge.
The hosts pushed for a second before the break but were frustrated as Schlupp misjudged a free header before being denied by VAR, while Edouard's appeal for a penalty was turned down following a tussle with Mings.
BBC
James
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Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Watford forward Ismaila Sarr, the fee is understood to be worth more than £25m plus add-ons.
Amjid Javed
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Good signing, i though leeds were also interested.
James
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Lol.
James
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">
Breaking: Ismaila Sarr’s move from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WatfordFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WatfordFC</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVFC</a> is not, at this stage, advancing. <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthleticUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAthleticUK</a> understands negotiations re transfer worth in region of £25m (+add-ons) have taken place but full agreement not reached<br><br>More here. w/<a href="https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@David_Ornstein</a><a href="https://t.co/YKbzDWEYkJ">https://t.co/YKbzDWEYkJ</a></p>— Adam Leventhal (@AdamLeventhal) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamLeventhal/status/1561466326824239106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Breaking: Ismaila Sarr’s move from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WatfordFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WatfordFC</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVFC</a> is not, at this stage, advancing. <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthleticUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAthleticUK</a> understands negotiations re transfer worth in region of £25m (+add-ons) have taken place but full agreement not reached<br><br>More here. w/<a href="https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@David_Ornstein</a><a href="https://t.co/YKbzDWEYkJ">https://t.co/YKbzDWEYkJ</a></p>— Adam Leventhal (@AdamLeventhal) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamLeventhal/status/1561466326824239106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
James
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Sarr to Villa deal now could be off. Or at least has stalled.
It’s possible that Palace or Leeds could come back in for him.
shaz619
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Another blunder by the Scouse toss pot
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Not a good start to the season for Gerrard.
Really need some new defenders - a back line of Cash-Mings-Konsa-Digne is quite mediocre.
Really need some new defenders - a back line of Cash-Mings-Konsa-Digne is quite mediocre.
James
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Gerrard is making mistakes and has the look of a manager who is out of his depth. The decision to sack Mings and promote McGinn to captain is looking disastrous. It has unsettled Mings as a key player and upset his form. Villa fans on social media do not rate McGinn at all and understandably so as he is an average player.
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Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said his side's scrappy win over Southampton at Villa Park was a "big victory".
Villa secured only their second Premier League win of the season as Jacob Ramsey scored the only goal of the game, and Gerrard said his side reacted to the criticism they had faced.
"It wasn't pretty or stylish but, with where we were in the league, we knew we had to do it in a pragmatic way," said Gerrard.
"I'm really proud of the boys' effort, application and commitment. We played better than we did last time. In football, you have to grind and fight and be committed and we worked hard today.
"We will get better in terms of style and possession and that will come but tonight was about the points."
Gerrard's side have made an indifferent start to the campaign but they were able to build on the battling draw against Manchester City with a deserved victory.
He added: "We had to back up our performance against Manchester City and there were a lot of eyes on us from the TV but we did it.
"Maybe we tried to force it a bit tonight but as we move up the table, maybe that's when the pretty stuff will come. It has been a tough period but I've wanted to step forward and protect my players.
"I've tried to fight and move up this table. We have accepted a lot of criticism and it's about reacting and that is what we have done tonight."
Villa made nearly all the running in a game desperately short on quality and Ramsey broke the deadlock four minutes before the break after Southampton keeper Gavin Bazunu turned Ollie Watkins' header on to the bar.
Southampton were far too timid and barely offered a threat all night, allowing Villa to close out an important triumph, their first since the second league game of the season against Everton, in comfort.
Aston Villa managerGerrard turned to his backroom staff with fists clenched at the final whistle. It was a signal of just how much he and his team needed this win.
It was, to be brutally honest, a dreadful game lacking in quality, but Gerrard will not care as Villa will take wins any way they can get them at the moment after a poor start to the season led to discontent among their supporters and scrutiny of the manager.
Villa started to rebuild when they took a point off Premier League champions Manchester City in their last home game, making further progress here with a win essential.
The winning goal from Ramsey was scrappy, totally befitting such a poor game, and was more than enough to see off Southampton, who hardly gave Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez an anxious moment all night, with Tyrone Mings dealing easily with any rare aerial threat.
It was not pleasing on the eye but Villa fully merited the win which will put Gerrard, his players and the club in a much more optimistic frame of mind heading into the international break.
Southampton's timid approach should mean they reflect on this defeat at Aston Villa as an opportunity missed.
Villa's confidence would have still been fragile after their recent struggles, despite that good result against Manchester City, and an early goal - or even some early concerted pressure - could have played on nerves in the home crowd.
Instead, Ralph Hasenhuttl's side allowed Villa to set the tempo as their captain John McGinn crunched into some early challenges and Philippe Coutinho offered up occasional moments of class while Saints struggled for any rhythm.
Che Adams and Adam Armstrong hardly got a look in as Southampton barely created even half chances, the visitors' lack of attacking ambition and intent costing them dearly as the game was won by that one moment near the end of the first half.
Hasenhuttl's Southampton sides pride themselves on energy and intensity but there was precious little on show here on a night they will want to quickly forget.
Villa secured only their second Premier League win of the season as Jacob Ramsey scored the only goal of the game, and Gerrard said his side reacted to the criticism they had faced.
"It wasn't pretty or stylish but, with where we were in the league, we knew we had to do it in a pragmatic way," said Gerrard.
"I'm really proud of the boys' effort, application and commitment. We played better than we did last time. In football, you have to grind and fight and be committed and we worked hard today.
"We will get better in terms of style and possession and that will come but tonight was about the points."
Gerrard's side have made an indifferent start to the campaign but they were able to build on the battling draw against Manchester City with a deserved victory.
He added: "We had to back up our performance against Manchester City and there were a lot of eyes on us from the TV but we did it.
"Maybe we tried to force it a bit tonight but as we move up the table, maybe that's when the pretty stuff will come. It has been a tough period but I've wanted to step forward and protect my players.
"I've tried to fight and move up this table. We have accepted a lot of criticism and it's about reacting and that is what we have done tonight."
Villa made nearly all the running in a game desperately short on quality and Ramsey broke the deadlock four minutes before the break after Southampton keeper Gavin Bazunu turned Ollie Watkins' header on to the bar.
Southampton were far too timid and barely offered a threat all night, allowing Villa to close out an important triumph, their first since the second league game of the season against Everton, in comfort.
Aston Villa managerGerrard turned to his backroom staff with fists clenched at the final whistle. It was a signal of just how much he and his team needed this win.
It was, to be brutally honest, a dreadful game lacking in quality, but Gerrard will not care as Villa will take wins any way they can get them at the moment after a poor start to the season led to discontent among their supporters and scrutiny of the manager.
Villa started to rebuild when they took a point off Premier League champions Manchester City in their last home game, making further progress here with a win essential.
The winning goal from Ramsey was scrappy, totally befitting such a poor game, and was more than enough to see off Southampton, who hardly gave Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez an anxious moment all night, with Tyrone Mings dealing easily with any rare aerial threat.
It was not pleasing on the eye but Villa fully merited the win which will put Gerrard, his players and the club in a much more optimistic frame of mind heading into the international break.
Southampton's timid approach should mean they reflect on this defeat at Aston Villa as an opportunity missed.
Villa's confidence would have still been fragile after their recent struggles, despite that good result against Manchester City, and an early goal - or even some early concerted pressure - could have played on nerves in the home crowd.
Instead, Ralph Hasenhuttl's side allowed Villa to set the tempo as their captain John McGinn crunched into some early challenges and Philippe Coutinho offered up occasional moments of class while Saints struggled for any rhythm.
Che Adams and Adam Armstrong hardly got a look in as Southampton barely created even half chances, the visitors' lack of attacking ambition and intent costing them dearly as the game was won by that one moment near the end of the first half.
Hasenhuttl's Southampton sides pride themselves on energy and intensity but there was precious little on show here on a night they will want to quickly forget.
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The Prince of Wales sent Aston Villa a message of support while he mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Steven Gerrard revealed.
Jacob Ramsey sealed a scrappy 1-0 win over Southampton on Friday after Villa Park paid tribute.
Prince William, a lifelong Villa fan, is in London ahead of his grandmother's state funeral on Monday.
"He messaged in the week, to the club, and that shows everything about what he thinks of this club," Gerrard said.
"It certainly took me aback. He is very much involved in Villa. For him to message in the situation he is in is really impressive."
Villa climbed to 13th after a second win of the season - and first clean sheet since April - on an evening that started with a minute's silence and the national anthem, before a round of applause on 70 minutes to honour the Queen's 70-year reign.
"For us to reward that [Prince William's message] with a result and clean sheet, I'm sure he will be proud," Gerrard said, "It was along the lines of 'would love to be there'.
"He is consistently in touch. He is very supportive of the boys individually. It's really impressive, his knowledge and how much he is in to it."
All English football was called off last weekend after the UK's longest-serving monarch died aged 96.
The English Football League resumed on Tuesday, with tributes respectfully observed, as they were at Friday's two Premier League games.
All lights were even turned out during the minute's silence at Villa Park, except for one spotlight on the Aston Villa and Southampton players on the centre-circle.
Jacob Ramsey sealed a scrappy 1-0 win over Southampton on Friday after Villa Park paid tribute.
Prince William, a lifelong Villa fan, is in London ahead of his grandmother's state funeral on Monday.
"He messaged in the week, to the club, and that shows everything about what he thinks of this club," Gerrard said.
"It certainly took me aback. He is very much involved in Villa. For him to message in the situation he is in is really impressive."
Villa climbed to 13th after a second win of the season - and first clean sheet since April - on an evening that started with a minute's silence and the national anthem, before a round of applause on 70 minutes to honour the Queen's 70-year reign.
"For us to reward that [Prince William's message] with a result and clean sheet, I'm sure he will be proud," Gerrard said, "It was along the lines of 'would love to be there'.
"He is consistently in touch. He is very supportive of the boys individually. It's really impressive, his knowledge and how much he is in to it."
All English football was called off last weekend after the UK's longest-serving monarch died aged 96.
The English Football League resumed on Tuesday, with tributes respectfully observed, as they were at Friday's two Premier League games.
All lights were even turned out during the minute's silence at Villa Park, except for one spotlight on the Aston Villa and Southampton players on the centre-circle.
James
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Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch "felt sorry for the fans" after accusing Aston Villa of repeated timewasting during Sunday's goalless draw.
Marsch's side secured a hard-earned point despite the 48th-minute sending off of Colombia winger Luis Sinisterra.
"This is the best league in the world and our fans don't come here to watch a match at snail's pace," said Marsch.
But Villa boss Steven Gerrard replied: "Was he unhappy with their timewasting when they went down to 10 men?"
The ex-England midfielder added: "It works both ways.
"But I'm not interested in Jesse and what he thinks and his opinion. We will do what we need to do. I'm only interested in Aston Villa."
Six different players received at least a caution at Elland Road - four from Leeds and two from Villa.
Villa had 19 shots, seven on target, compared to six efforts from Leeds, with Patrick Bamford's late strike - saved by visiting keeper Emiliano Martinez - their only shot on target.
However, Marsch, who watched the game from the media seats at the back of a stand as he served a one-game touchline ban following his sending-off in last month's 5-2 loss to Brentford, felt Villa were negative from the start.
"I almost feel we have to apologise to our fans," added the American.
"They didn't get an entertaining match, they got a match that was slowed down by an opponent from the first minute and they [the fans] don't get to enjoy coming to Elland Road as much as they should.
"I will be speaking to someone from the league and [have] already spoken to the referees' committee, it's clearly a tactic. I feel bad for our fans, they have to watch that and they don't get an energetic game.
"It's respect for how we play against the ball, in the aggression we show and quality we have against the ball. Our fans like to see us where the team plays with aggression and they [Villa] are trying to flip the script.
"I have had more referees that were able to manage it better - it leads to frustration to everyone in the crowd."
The result left Leeds 12th in the table, one point and two places above Villa, and Gerrard said his side should have done better with the man advantage.
"One or two of our players will not sleep as well as they should do," added the Villa manager.
"You need big players to step up and play well. We knew it would be tough and before the game a point wouldn't have been so bad but how the game panned out, one point is not enough - we created more than enough to take the three points.
"We've turned a corner but I wouldn't say we have gone from one level to another extremely higher level.
"We're definitely better but still tons and tons to do."
Marsch's side secured a hard-earned point despite the 48th-minute sending off of Colombia winger Luis Sinisterra.
"This is the best league in the world and our fans don't come here to watch a match at snail's pace," said Marsch.
But Villa boss Steven Gerrard replied: "Was he unhappy with their timewasting when they went down to 10 men?"
The ex-England midfielder added: "It works both ways.
"But I'm not interested in Jesse and what he thinks and his opinion. We will do what we need to do. I'm only interested in Aston Villa."
Six different players received at least a caution at Elland Road - four from Leeds and two from Villa.
Villa had 19 shots, seven on target, compared to six efforts from Leeds, with Patrick Bamford's late strike - saved by visiting keeper Emiliano Martinez - their only shot on target.
However, Marsch, who watched the game from the media seats at the back of a stand as he served a one-game touchline ban following his sending-off in last month's 5-2 loss to Brentford, felt Villa were negative from the start.
"I almost feel we have to apologise to our fans," added the American.
"They didn't get an entertaining match, they got a match that was slowed down by an opponent from the first minute and they [the fans] don't get to enjoy coming to Elland Road as much as they should.
"I will be speaking to someone from the league and [have] already spoken to the referees' committee, it's clearly a tactic. I feel bad for our fans, they have to watch that and they don't get an energetic game.
"It's respect for how we play against the ball, in the aggression we show and quality we have against the ball. Our fans like to see us where the team plays with aggression and they [Villa] are trying to flip the script.
"I have had more referees that were able to manage it better - it leads to frustration to everyone in the crowd."
The result left Leeds 12th in the table, one point and two places above Villa, and Gerrard said his side should have done better with the man advantage.
"One or two of our players will not sleep as well as they should do," added the Villa manager.
"You need big players to step up and play well. We knew it would be tough and before the game a point wouldn't have been so bad but how the game panned out, one point is not enough - we created more than enough to take the three points.
"We've turned a corner but I wouldn't say we have gone from one level to another extremely higher level.
"We're definitely better but still tons and tons to do."
SpiritOf1903
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Marsch playing to the crowd with his knock-off Simeone antics. Leeds could find themselves in trouble soon
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FT: Aston Villa 0-2 Chelsea
Mistakes prove costly for Villa
In addition to the boos at the final whistle, Gerrard was also jeered as he made his way down the tunnel.
But after the manager asked for recent "frustration" about his team's results to be channelled in the right way, the hosts answered with a first half that saw them also hit the woodwork twice.
How they did not score was largely down to Arrizabalaga, who, in addition to a brilliant save from Ings, made an extraordinary double save to stop McGinn and then Ramsey after Bailey hit the bar with am earlier header.
With Ings and Bailey in the starting line-up in place of Philippe Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia, there was plenty of joy down the flanks and the hosts were ably helped by Douglas Luiz in midfield.
But Mings' error was inexplicable as he mistimed his header under no pressure as Ben Chilwell's flick lopped up to him in the penalty area.
Villa might argue that Chilwell was lucky to stay on the pitch after a robust tackle on Ramsey, for which he was only booked.
In the second half, there were fewer chances as Chelsea tightened up and took control of possession. Arrizabalaga denied McGinn once more after 62 minutes, and within three minutes there was no coming back once Martinez misjudged Mount's free-kick.
Mistakes prove costly for Villa
In addition to the boos at the final whistle, Gerrard was also jeered as he made his way down the tunnel.
But after the manager asked for recent "frustration" about his team's results to be channelled in the right way, the hosts answered with a first half that saw them also hit the woodwork twice.
How they did not score was largely down to Arrizabalaga, who, in addition to a brilliant save from Ings, made an extraordinary double save to stop McGinn and then Ramsey after Bailey hit the bar with am earlier header.
With Ings and Bailey in the starting line-up in place of Philippe Coutinho and Emiliano Buendia, there was plenty of joy down the flanks and the hosts were ably helped by Douglas Luiz in midfield.
But Mings' error was inexplicable as he mistimed his header under no pressure as Ben Chilwell's flick lopped up to him in the penalty area.
Villa might argue that Chilwell was lucky to stay on the pitch after a robust tackle on Ramsey, for which he was only booked.
In the second half, there were fewer chances as Chelsea tightened up and took control of possession. Arrizabalaga denied McGinn once more after 62 minutes, and within three minutes there was no coming back once Martinez misjudged Mount's free-kick.
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Aston Villa made the perfect start to life after Steven Gerrard as they beat Brentford (4-0) at a buoyant Villa Park to record only their third win of the season.
Ex-Liverpool captain Gerrard was sacked on Thursday following a heavy defeat at Fulham, with first team coach Aaron Danks taking charge of Sunday's game.
And Danks enjoyed an incredible debut in the dugout as Villa found themselves 3-0 up inside 15 minutes.
Leon Bailey got the ball rolling when he swept in from Douglas Luiz's pass following a smart corner routine in the second minute.
Danny Ings made it 2-0 five minutes later when he stabbed in from Bailey's cross before the striker got his second of the game in the 14th minute, converting a penalty after Tyrone Mings had been fouled.
Brentford rarely looked capable of providing a response, with their best chance of the first half an Ethan Pinnock goal-bound volley that was blocked by his team-mate, summing up the Bees' fortunes.
Instead, the visitors were reliant on David Raya preventing Villa from adding further goals before half-time as he kept out efforts from Matty Cash and Luiz.
Brentford were marginally better after the break but could not prevent ex-Bees striker Ollie Watkins adding a fourth when he finished from close range after his initial shot had been pushed on to the post.
The win moved Villa up to 14th in the Premier League, three points above the bottom three. Brentford, meanwhile, are 10th on 14 points.
Ex-Liverpool captain Gerrard was sacked on Thursday following a heavy defeat at Fulham, with first team coach Aaron Danks taking charge of Sunday's game.
And Danks enjoyed an incredible debut in the dugout as Villa found themselves 3-0 up inside 15 minutes.
Leon Bailey got the ball rolling when he swept in from Douglas Luiz's pass following a smart corner routine in the second minute.
Danny Ings made it 2-0 five minutes later when he stabbed in from Bailey's cross before the striker got his second of the game in the 14th minute, converting a penalty after Tyrone Mings had been fouled.
Brentford rarely looked capable of providing a response, with their best chance of the first half an Ethan Pinnock goal-bound volley that was blocked by his team-mate, summing up the Bees' fortunes.
Instead, the visitors were reliant on David Raya preventing Villa from adding further goals before half-time as he kept out efforts from Matty Cash and Luiz.
Brentford were marginally better after the break but could not prevent ex-Bees striker Ollie Watkins adding a fourth when he finished from close range after his initial shot had been pushed on to the post.
The win moved Villa up to 14th in the Premier League, three points above the bottom three. Brentford, meanwhile, are 10th on 14 points.
Robert
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Clearly they like not having Gerrard around.....
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Villarreal's former Arsenal manager Unai Emery has emerged as Aston Villa's prime target to succeed the sacked Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard was dismissed last week following a 3-0 Premier League defeat by Fulham.
Villa went on to beat Brentford 4-0 on Sunday under caretaker Aaron Danks.
Emery, 50, is out of contract at the Spanish club next summer and has not yet signed a new deal with the La Liga outfit.
The ex-Arsenal boss joined Villarreal in 2020, having been dismissed by the Gunners in 2019.
As the successor to Arsene Wenger, Emery spent 18 months at the Emirates but was sacked after failing to win in seven games, their worst run at the time since February 1992.
During his stint in north London he led the Gunners to the final of the Europa League, losing to Chelsea in 2019.
Two years later he lifted the trophy with Villarreal and guided the side to last year's Champions League semi-finals, where they were defeated 3-2 by Liverpool on aggregate.
The Spanish side currently sit seventh in the league.
In three years at Sevilla from 2013-16 he claimed three successive Europa League titles and then took over at Paris St-Germain, where he won Ligue 1 and two French Cups.
Emery was approached by Newcastle last year following the departure of Steve Bruce but turned down the position.
BBC
Gerrard was dismissed last week following a 3-0 Premier League defeat by Fulham.
Villa went on to beat Brentford 4-0 on Sunday under caretaker Aaron Danks.
Emery, 50, is out of contract at the Spanish club next summer and has not yet signed a new deal with the La Liga outfit.
The ex-Arsenal boss joined Villarreal in 2020, having been dismissed by the Gunners in 2019.
As the successor to Arsene Wenger, Emery spent 18 months at the Emirates but was sacked after failing to win in seven games, their worst run at the time since February 1992.
During his stint in north London he led the Gunners to the final of the Europa League, losing to Chelsea in 2019.
Two years later he lifted the trophy with Villarreal and guided the side to last year's Champions League semi-finals, where they were defeated 3-2 by Liverpool on aggregate.
The Spanish side currently sit seventh in the league.
In three years at Sevilla from 2013-16 he claimed three successive Europa League titles and then took over at Paris St-Germain, where he won Ligue 1 and two French Cups.
Emery was approached by Newcastle last year following the departure of Steve Bruce but turned down the position.
BBC
shaz619
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Always emphasised in the first game after a manager leaves…
But you just think, the players get away scot free for their lack of motivations
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Unai Emery enjoyed a dream debut as Aston Villa manager with an impressive and deserved victory against Manchester United at Villa Park.
The hosts had not beaten United on home soil in the league since 1995, but were 2-0 up after 11 minutes in this game following an incredible start.
Leon Bailey opened the scoring in the seventh minute when he broke clear of the defence before arrowing a low shot beyond David de Gea.
Things got even better for Villa just three minutes later when Lucas Digne curled in a brilliant free-kick from 25 yards.
Manchester United's players looked stunned by Villa's fast start and did not register a meaningful effort until midway through the first half, when Alejandro Garnacho's shot from an angle was well saved by Emi Martinez.
Cristiano Ronaldo, named captain for the first time under Erik ten Hag, drew another good save moments later with a header as the away side improved before half-time.
A huge slice of fortune got them a goal back seconds before the break when Luke Shaw's shot took a big deflection off Jacob Ramsey to land in the back of the net, with Martinez unable to react.
But Ramsey delivered the perfect response to that setback after the break when he latched onto Ollie Watkins' ball and powered a shot beyond De Gea.
There was no way back for Manchester United after that, as Villa fans spent the rest of the game celebrating the start of the Emery era.
The win moved Aston Villa up to 13th, three points above the relegation zone, while Manchester United remain fifth.
BBC
The hosts had not beaten United on home soil in the league since 1995, but were 2-0 up after 11 minutes in this game following an incredible start.
Leon Bailey opened the scoring in the seventh minute when he broke clear of the defence before arrowing a low shot beyond David de Gea.
Things got even better for Villa just three minutes later when Lucas Digne curled in a brilliant free-kick from 25 yards.
Manchester United's players looked stunned by Villa's fast start and did not register a meaningful effort until midway through the first half, when Alejandro Garnacho's shot from an angle was well saved by Emi Martinez.
Cristiano Ronaldo, named captain for the first time under Erik ten Hag, drew another good save moments later with a header as the away side improved before half-time.
A huge slice of fortune got them a goal back seconds before the break when Luke Shaw's shot took a big deflection off Jacob Ramsey to land in the back of the net, with Martinez unable to react.
But Ramsey delivered the perfect response to that setback after the break when he latched onto Ollie Watkins' ball and powered a shot beyond De Gea.
There was no way back for Manchester United after that, as Villa fans spent the rest of the game celebrating the start of the Emery era.
The win moved Aston Villa up to 13th, three points above the relegation zone, while Manchester United remain fifth.
BBC
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Danny Ings scored twice as Aston Villa beat Brighton for their first Premier League away win of the season.
Alexis Mac Allister put the hosts ahead after just 49 seconds when he took the ball from Douglas Luiz, following a heavy pass from Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez, and slotted in.
It was the fastest Brighton have ever scored in the Premier League.
But Ings levelled from the penalty spot in the 20th minute after Lewis Dunk fouled John McGinn in the box.
Despite the game being relatively open, Villa were better in the final third and they continued to cause problems for Brighton.
Luiz made up for his earlier error when he played a part in his side's 54th-minute winner. He challenged Mac Allister on the edge of the box before pushing the ball into the path of Ings who tucked away a calm finish at the near post.
Despite their bright start and having much of the possession in the game, Brighton did not do enough to trouble Villa keeper Martinez.
They drop to seventh place, while Villa go into the World Cup break sitting in 12th place, five points clear of the relegation spots.
Alexis Mac Allister put the hosts ahead after just 49 seconds when he took the ball from Douglas Luiz, following a heavy pass from Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez, and slotted in.
It was the fastest Brighton have ever scored in the Premier League.
But Ings levelled from the penalty spot in the 20th minute after Lewis Dunk fouled John McGinn in the box.
Despite the game being relatively open, Villa were better in the final third and they continued to cause problems for Brighton.
Luiz made up for his earlier error when he played a part in his side's 54th-minute winner. He challenged Mac Allister on the edge of the box before pushing the ball into the path of Ings who tucked away a calm finish at the near post.
Despite their bright start and having much of the possession in the game, Brighton did not do enough to trouble Villa keeper Martinez.
They drop to seventh place, while Villa go into the World Cup break sitting in 12th place, five points clear of the relegation spots.
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Unai Emery says he will speak to Emi Martinez about his behaviour after the World Cup final when he returns to Aston Villa
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Emiliano Martinez's celebrations were "stupid" and dampened Argentina's World Cup victory, says Patrick Vieira who won the title with France in 1998.
Martinez shone in the penalty shootout win over France in the final, but was panned for some of his actions, which included a rude gesture with the Golden Glove he was awarded as best keeper.
He also repeatedly mocked France striker Kylian Mbappe.
Villa manager Unai Emery plans to speak to Martinez about his celebrations.
Vieira, who now manages Crystal Palace, said: "Some of the pictures I saw from the Argentinian goalkeeper, I think, take away a little bit what Argentina achieved at the World Cup.
"I don't think they really needed that.
"You can't control sometimes people's emotional decisions. But that was a stupid decision, I think, from Martinez to do that."
Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties in Qatar after a dramatic final had ended 3-3.
In the dressing room after the game, Martinez called for a minute's silence for Mbappe, who had scored a hat-trick for France. He then engaged in further mockery during Argentina's victory parade in Buenos Aires, by holding up a doll depicting the striker.
Villa boss Emery added: "When you have big emotion, sometimes it is difficult to control it.
"I will speak to him next week about some celebrations but I respect that he is now under the national team and when he will be with us, he is our responsibility then we can speak about it.
"We are so proud of him. He won the World Cup with his national team and it's amazing."
On Thursday, Noel Le Graet, the president of the French football federation, told French news outlet Ouest-France he had written to his Argentine counterpart about the team's "abnormal" celebrations.
Martinez's antics during the penalty shootout made headlines after the final, with his mind games unsettling the France players - as the goalkeeper saved from Kingsley Coman, and Aurelien Tchouameni missed.
He has yet to return to Villa and will not be available for his side's game against Liverpool on 26 December when the Premier League resumes after the World Cup break.
"He's coming back next week," Emery added.
"I want him to rest now because after big emotion and hard work, he has to have some days off to rest then he'll come back to work with us."
BBC
Martinez shone in the penalty shootout win over France in the final, but was panned for some of his actions, which included a rude gesture with the Golden Glove he was awarded as best keeper.
He also repeatedly mocked France striker Kylian Mbappe.
Villa manager Unai Emery plans to speak to Martinez about his celebrations.
Vieira, who now manages Crystal Palace, said: "Some of the pictures I saw from the Argentinian goalkeeper, I think, take away a little bit what Argentina achieved at the World Cup.
"I don't think they really needed that.
"You can't control sometimes people's emotional decisions. But that was a stupid decision, I think, from Martinez to do that."
Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties in Qatar after a dramatic final had ended 3-3.
In the dressing room after the game, Martinez called for a minute's silence for Mbappe, who had scored a hat-trick for France. He then engaged in further mockery during Argentina's victory parade in Buenos Aires, by holding up a doll depicting the striker.
Villa boss Emery added: "When you have big emotion, sometimes it is difficult to control it.
"I will speak to him next week about some celebrations but I respect that he is now under the national team and when he will be with us, he is our responsibility then we can speak about it.
"We are so proud of him. He won the World Cup with his national team and it's amazing."
On Thursday, Noel Le Graet, the president of the French football federation, told French news outlet Ouest-France he had written to his Argentine counterpart about the team's "abnormal" celebrations.
Martinez's antics during the penalty shootout made headlines after the final, with his mind games unsettling the France players - as the goalkeeper saved from Kingsley Coman, and Aurelien Tchouameni missed.
He has yet to return to Villa and will not be available for his side's game against Liverpool on 26 December when the Premier League resumes after the World Cup break.
"He's coming back next week," Emery added.
"I want him to rest now because after big emotion and hard work, he has to have some days off to rest then he'll come back to work with us."
BBC
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Aston Villa are willing to sell Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho in January, just a year after the 30-year-old arrived at Villa Park. (Football Insider)
Villa manager Unai Emery does not want to work with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 30, and is keen to offload the World Cup winner next month. (Fichajes)
Villa manager Unai Emery does not want to work with Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, 30, and is keen to offload the World Cup winner next month. (Fichajes)
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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to Amazon Prime: "We are only thinking about each match and today is an important one.
"We worked [together during the World Cup break] and I am very happy.
"I know better our players and we worked on tactics, set-pieces and knowing each other better. We have used the break to improve."
"We worked [together during the World Cup break] and I am very happy.
"I know better our players and we worked on tactics, set-pieces and knowing each other better. We have used the break to improve."
WengerOut
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Tyrone Mings is a liability. Makes obvious mistakes everytime i watch him.
James
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Strange sort of game that.
Liverpool roared out of the blocks and might have been more than 2-0 up at the break, but Villa had their chances amongst this as well, and in the second half Villa were the better side for most of it, playing narrowly through Liverpool on several occasions.
Ollie Watkins had a good game I thought, but Leon Bailey and John McGinn didn’t have their shooting boots on in front of goal yesterday which cost Villa in the end.
Villa are much more exciting to watch under Emery, yes they play a higher line which is more risky than the Sunday League low block being employed by Gerrard, but football as well as being about results is also about entertainment.
Ended 3-1 to Liverpool but could have been a high scoring draw on another day IMO.
Liverpool roared out of the blocks and might have been more than 2-0 up at the break, but Villa had their chances amongst this as well, and in the second half Villa were the better side for most of it, playing narrowly through Liverpool on several occasions.
Ollie Watkins had a good game I thought, but Leon Bailey and John McGinn didn’t have their shooting boots on in front of goal yesterday which cost Villa in the end.
Villa are much more exciting to watch under Emery, yes they play a higher line which is more risky than the Sunday League low block being employed by Gerrard, but football as well as being about results is also about entertainment.
Ended 3-1 to Liverpool but could have been a high scoring draw on another day IMO.
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Aston Villa are interested in 28-year-old former Everton and Watford forward Gerard Deulofeu, who currently plays for Udinese
James
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This away performance against Tottenham has got to be one of the best from a Villa side in a while. They’ve played extremely well off the ball, have taken their chances when they have got in behind, and they have made Spurs look very ordinary.
Great win that for Villa at Spurs.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to Sky Sports: "We are so happy. I think we competed very well. We struggled in the first half but they didn't create many chances.
"We scored one goal which gave us confidence to move ahead in our mentality. We scored the second goal which was amazing because in that moment we thought the three points were for us.
"Not only mentality, you have to defend away usually more than at home.We have to build a team thinking that we can control the game. Defensively we were strong and together. We can be brilliant and then keep possession when we have chances to try to win the match. To try to improve different things tactically, I will do it.
"Spurs had some chances, not a lot but they created in the attacking third. Olsen as well after the performance with his clean sheet. Not just in Emi Martinez but also with Olsen we have good goalkeepers. It is good to add confidence in the team and the players."
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to Sky Sports: "We are so happy. I think we competed very well. We struggled in the first half but they didn't create many chances.
"We scored one goal which gave us confidence to move ahead in our mentality. We scored the second goal which was amazing because in that moment we thought the three points were for us.
"Not only mentality, you have to defend away usually more than at home.We have to build a team thinking that we can control the game. Defensively we were strong and together. We can be brilliant and then keep possession when we have chances to try to win the match. To try to improve different things tactically, I will do it.
"Spurs had some chances, not a lot but they created in the attacking third. Olsen as well after the performance with his clean sheet. Not just in Emi Martinez but also with Olsen we have good goalkeepers. It is good to add confidence in the team and the players."
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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery believes goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is "100%" focused on the Premier League club after Argentina's World Cup win.
James
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Missed a big change right at the end to beat Wolves. Finished in a 1-1 draw. Local derby games to be fair are always tough.
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League Two Stevenage produced an incredible late comeback to stun Premier League Aston Villa and reach the FA Cup fourth round.
James
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How did Villa contrive to lose that? Unreal
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Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Colombia striker Jhon Duran from Chicago Fire in an £18m deal.
Duran, 19, has scored eight goals and set up six more in 28 appearances for Chicago.
Villa will pay £14.75m for Duran, who has three caps for Colombia, and a potential £3.3m in add-ons.
The transfer is subject to Duran passing a medical, agreeing personal terms and obtaining the necessary work visa.
He will compete with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings at Unai Emery's side, with the pair scoring four and seven goals respectively this season.
Villa are 11th in the Premier League.
BBC
Duran, 19, has scored eight goals and set up six more in 28 appearances for Chicago.
Villa will pay £14.75m for Duran, who has three caps for Colombia, and a potential £3.3m in add-ons.
The transfer is subject to Duran passing a medical, agreeing personal terms and obtaining the necessary work visa.
He will compete with Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings at Unai Emery's side, with the pair scoring four and seven goals respectively this season.
Villa are 11th in the Premier League.
BBC
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Villa victorious after double let-off
Only Premier League leaders Arsenal have collected as many Premier League points as Villa since Emery replaced Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park hot seat last October.
The visitors were crisp in possession at St Mary's but struggled to properly trouble Southampton early on, Emiliano Buendia and full debutant Alex Moreno both firing well wide of Gavin Bazunu's goal inside 20 minutes.
They survived a let-off when Adams' first-half goal was disallowed but spurned an excellent opportunity to go in front when Ramsey shot straight at Bazunu from inside the area, with Leon Bailey sending the follow-up over the crossbar
Bazunu almost gifted Villa the opener in the early stages of the second half when his miscued clearance allowed Ramsey to tee up Bailey, but the Saints goalkeeper atoned for his error by smothering the Jamaica international's low shot.
Villa had another narrow escape when Salisbury disallowed Ward-Prowse's effort after Elyounoussi clipped Ramsey's ankle, but Watkins' late effort secured a third straight away league win under their new boss.
They had Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to thank for preserving their narrow lead late on, the 30-year-old parrying Moussa Djenepo's curling effort past the far post before gathering the resulting corner.
Only Premier League leaders Arsenal have collected as many Premier League points as Villa since Emery replaced Steven Gerrard in the Villa Park hot seat last October.
The visitors were crisp in possession at St Mary's but struggled to properly trouble Southampton early on, Emiliano Buendia and full debutant Alex Moreno both firing well wide of Gavin Bazunu's goal inside 20 minutes.
They survived a let-off when Adams' first-half goal was disallowed but spurned an excellent opportunity to go in front when Ramsey shot straight at Bazunu from inside the area, with Leon Bailey sending the follow-up over the crossbar
Bazunu almost gifted Villa the opener in the early stages of the second half when his miscued clearance allowed Ramsey to tee up Bailey, but the Saints goalkeeper atoned for his error by smothering the Jamaica international's low shot.
Villa had another narrow escape when Salisbury disallowed Ward-Prowse's effort after Elyounoussi clipped Ramsey's ankle, but Watkins' late effort secured a third straight away league win under their new boss.
They had Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to thank for preserving their narrow lead late on, the 30-year-old parrying Moussa Djenepo's curling effort past the far post before gathering the resulting corner.
Amjid Javed
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[MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]
To Answer the question you asked on Arsenal thread, in regards to villa I think Emery is a good manager and will do well a good and will probably over achieve with the team. You have got some good midfielders and decent strikers, however your defence is shambolic. That's something Emery will need to address, problem is how much ambition your owners? Also how much they will invest. Villa should be looking to do alot better then Brighton, Brentford and Fulham.
To Answer the question you asked on Arsenal thread, in regards to villa I think Emery is a good manager and will do well a good and will probably over achieve with the team. You have got some good midfielders and decent strikers, however your defence is shambolic. That's something Emery will need to address, problem is how much ambition your owners? Also how much they will invest. Villa should be looking to do alot better then Brighton, Brentford and Fulham.
shaz619
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The owners plan to acquire Vitoria Sports Club in Portugal, which is something I guess for our grass root development. But we desperately need some fresh faces and a dynamic change, especially in our mentality. Smith, Gerrard and Emery now but it still feels like we will remain a mid table team for the foreseeable future, the owners want us competing for European footy but it seems a long way right now. Emery has great experience and I hope he will change our fortunes, but I don’t see him doing much with the current lot, who seem to be a really moody team which lacks consistency.
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Ollie Watkins continued his excellent goalscoring form in the Premier League as Aston Villa's victory returned Everton to the relegation zone.
Striker Watkins netted for a fifth consecutive league game, thumping home a second-half penalty after former Villa midfielder Idrissa Gueye tripped John McGinn in the box.
It is a costly defeat for Sean Dyche's men, who return to the bottom three after West Ham United and Leeds United both collected three points.
Toffees players and supporters will have left Goodison Park wondering how they went home empty handed, having spurned the better chances.
Neal Maupay's diving header was cleared off the line by Tyrone Mings while his tame, side-footed effort was gathered by Emiliano Martinez
The Argentina World Cup winner also made a superb reflex save to deny Amadou Onana's towering header as he tipped the Belgium midfielder's effort over the crossbar.
At the other end, Jordan Pickford clawed Watkins' header onto the post at full stretch, but the Villa front man was not to be denied from the spot with a confidently taken penalty.
Substitute Emiliano Buendia sealed the points with nine minutes remaining, turning inside Conor Coady before smashing past Pickford at the near post.
Striker Watkins netted for a fifth consecutive league game, thumping home a second-half penalty after former Villa midfielder Idrissa Gueye tripped John McGinn in the box.
It is a costly defeat for Sean Dyche's men, who return to the bottom three after West Ham United and Leeds United both collected three points.
Toffees players and supporters will have left Goodison Park wondering how they went home empty handed, having spurned the better chances.
Neal Maupay's diving header was cleared off the line by Tyrone Mings while his tame, side-footed effort was gathered by Emiliano Martinez
The Argentina World Cup winner also made a superb reflex save to deny Amadou Onana's towering header as he tipped the Belgium midfielder's effort over the crossbar.
At the other end, Jordan Pickford clawed Watkins' header onto the post at full stretch, but the Villa front man was not to be denied from the spot with a confidently taken penalty.
Substitute Emiliano Buendia sealed the points with nine minutes remaining, turning inside Conor Coady before smashing past Pickford at the near post.
James
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Great win for Villa.
Many sides have come a cropper at Goodison Park in the recent past, even with Everton being poor at the moment.
Ollie Watkins is on top class form and surely about to get an England call up.
Villa are having a pretty decent season. Not perfect — the Steven Gerrard debacle and going out of the FA Cup at home to Stevenage have both slightly blotted the copy paper — but with a few good player additions in the summer, in 23/24 they could well be challenging for Europe.
Many sides have come a cropper at Goodison Park in the recent past, even with Everton being poor at the moment.
Ollie Watkins is on top class form and surely about to get an England call up.
Villa are having a pretty decent season. Not perfect — the Steven Gerrard debacle and going out of the FA Cup at home to Stevenage have both slightly blotted the copy paper — but with a few good player additions in the summer, in 23/24 they could well be challenging for Europe.
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Villa do enough and can start looking up
As forgettable as it was, the match served an important purpose for Villa.
Without playing anywhere near their best, the hosts scrapped their way to a valuable three points and increased the gap between themselves and Palace to seven points.
"We ground out the three points," captain McGinn said. "I'm sure the manager won't be pleased with the second-half performance but it's a win and we've been craving a win here for a while.
"Great to get the three points and it gives us an opportunity to look up and not down."
Any thought of a relegation battle can now be put behind them, and with just five points separating Emery's side from Liverpool in sixth, a strong finish to the campaign could lead to European football next season.
The performance level would have to increase significantly, but there was quality in flashes - particularly when Buendia and McGinn got on the ball - and there is the chance for a far more exciting climax to the season than looked likely a couple of months ago.
As forgettable as it was, the match served an important purpose for Villa.
Without playing anywhere near their best, the hosts scrapped their way to a valuable three points and increased the gap between themselves and Palace to seven points.
"We ground out the three points," captain McGinn said. "I'm sure the manager won't be pleased with the second-half performance but it's a win and we've been craving a win here for a while.
"Great to get the three points and it gives us an opportunity to look up and not down."
Any thought of a relegation battle can now be put behind them, and with just five points separating Emery's side from Liverpool in sixth, a strong finish to the campaign could lead to European football next season.
The performance level would have to increase significantly, but there was quality in flashes - particularly when Buendia and McGinn got on the ball - and there is the chance for a far more exciting climax to the season than looked likely a couple of months ago.
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Aston Villa goalscorer John McGinn, speaking to Sky Sports:
[On how his side beat Chelsea] "Run. They are a good team, it's only a matter of time before it clicks for them. We do a load of work in training to get goals on the transitions. Ollie [Watkins] is on fire at the moment, so a great goal to get us going.
"Everyone was flinging their bodies on the line. This league's difficult so to go on a run like we've done, and to stay so humble, to a man we were first class today.
"It's been a long time coming I was just fortunate the shot didn't get blocked. Just an amazing feeling it went in. After the Scotland win it's been an amazing week.
"I've lost count of the amount of times I've tried to lace it and it's been blocked. So I side-footed and it went in. I'm delighted and hopefully it will start a run.
"The start of the season was for me was extremely difficult. The manager, Steven Gerrard, was first class with me, he had a lot of trust in me but I didn't really repay that. My performances were below par.
"I spent some time on the bench and put my head down and worked hard. I got my chance to come back in and hopefully I can keep doing that and keep my form up."
==
Since Unai Emery’s first game in charge of Aston Villa on 6 November, only Arsenal (13) and Manchester City (10) have more Premier League wins than Villa (9).
[On how his side beat Chelsea] "Run. They are a good team, it's only a matter of time before it clicks for them. We do a load of work in training to get goals on the transitions. Ollie [Watkins] is on fire at the moment, so a great goal to get us going.
"Everyone was flinging their bodies on the line. This league's difficult so to go on a run like we've done, and to stay so humble, to a man we were first class today.
"It's been a long time coming I was just fortunate the shot didn't get blocked. Just an amazing feeling it went in. After the Scotland win it's been an amazing week.
"I've lost count of the amount of times I've tried to lace it and it's been blocked. So I side-footed and it went in. I'm delighted and hopefully it will start a run.
"The start of the season was for me was extremely difficult. The manager, Steven Gerrard, was first class with me, he had a lot of trust in me but I didn't really repay that. My performances were below par.
"I spent some time on the bench and put my head down and worked hard. I got my chance to come back in and hopefully I can keep doing that and keep my form up."
==
Since Unai Emery’s first game in charge of Aston Villa on 6 November, only Arsenal (13) and Manchester City (10) have more Premier League wins than Villa (9).
shaz619
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Top 6 
it feels surreal, Unai has done well in a short period. First high level coach in an age and started to see some results, hope we take this momentum into next season, European footy is very competitive, to be in the conversation feels strange
it feels surreal, Unai has done well in a short period. First high level coach in an age and started to see some results, hope we take this momentum into next season, European footy is very competitive, to be in the conversation feels strange
James
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Nailed on for Europe on this form. Oozing class.
shaz619
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Tremendous respect for Unai, no major spending or got enough time to spend with the players before joining either, taking Villa from 16th to 6th is just class even for the ‘honeymoon period’
Outstanding performance against Newcastle, beaten from pillar to post. Best win for Villa off the season
Outstanding performance against Newcastle, beaten from pillar to post. Best win for Villa off the season
KingKhanWC
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Villas best performance of the season.
Played Newcastle off the park most of the match.
Tbf Villa park is a tough place to visit for most teams.
Europe is on, even Champions League is an outside possibility!
I might need to watch a game at the Park before this season ends.
Geordie Ahmed
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Fair play to Villa, they battered us and we were quite fortunate the defeat wasn't a bigger one
Tactically Emery got the better of Howe, Buendia and Ramsey kept picking up passes between midfield and defence and it just happened all game long and we didn't react
The CL might just be a bit beyond them this season but a bit more investment and if they take this form into next season they are a serious threat
It's no wonder Emery was actually our first choice (Obviously I'm delighted Howe got the job and what he's achieved since)
Tactically Emery got the better of Howe, Buendia and Ramsey kept picking up passes between midfield and defence and it just happened all game long and we didn't react
The CL might just be a bit beyond them this season but a bit more investment and if they take this form into next season they are a serious threat
It's no wonder Emery was actually our first choice (Obviously I'm delighted Howe got the job and what he's achieved since)
Bilal Ahmad15
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They have a great squad of players, its great to see Unai Emery finally doing well with a Premier League team.
Im hoping they make it to UEFA Europa League, simply because its also known as the Unai Emery League
Im hoping they make it to UEFA Europa League, simply because its also known as the Unai Emery League
Amjid Javed
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Villa have to play all the teams around them Brentford, Fulham, Man utd, spurs, Liverpool and Brighton so if they make it into Europa league spots at end of season it will be great effort by Emery.
KingKhanWC
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Gerrard is a novice, still learning the trade. Even so Stevie was way better than Ole and his bus.
Villa have 5 tougher matches to finish the season. A European place would been huge for the club.
Lol at Gerrard being better than Ole. On what planet is he better than Ole?
But even if he is better than Ole, that isn't some achievement. Imagine bragging about Gerrard being a better manager than Ole.
)Slippy G to replace Klopp at Liverpool. Please make it happen.
KingKhanWC
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Lol at Gerrard being better than Ole. On what planet is he better than Ole?
But even if he is better than Ole, that isn't some achievement. Imagine bragging about Gerrard being a better manager than Ole.
Slippy G to replace Klopp at Liverpool. Please make it happen.
Ole was a pathetic manager, he was at the wheel falling off a cliff.
As a Utd fan its hard to understand simple points but it was a comparison between two ex players who went on to manage. SG won the league with Rangers, Ole won with Molde.
Lets leave this thread to Villa and not your crying as usual.
Lol you are the one who started to cry when I stated that Slippy G is a poor manager for the pathetic job he did at Villa and you brought up Ole who had nothing to do with Villa.
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shaz619
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Outstanding from Unai’s Villa, best time to be in form during the finishing stretch
shaz619
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I hope we get the conference league, although it was my expectation for next season with a new manager. Main positive regardless is Unai settling in
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Europa League is very much on for Villa now, which is the trademark Unai Emery competition.
shaz619
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Brighton and LFC are in good positions to get that spot with games in hand, we’re about level with Tottenham but need other results to go our way providing we do well in the remaining fixtures, this is why I think the conference league would be a good achievement and also above expectations given where we were
Amjid Javed
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Other teams do have games in hand, but you are playing everyone in and around you so on thar aspect it gives you a chance to keep it in your hands. I get what you mean any European football next season would be achievement. Emery will keep improving you as a team.
shaz619
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Not the result we wanted today, would have been happy with a point at Old Trafford
Amjid Javed
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You played well 1st half. But no creativity in 2nd half.
You will finish above spurs, so I think it's wether you can finish above Brighton for a euro spot it looks like
shaz619
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Villa lost the spark, look flat now, a good start for Unai and I think it was too early to dream of Europe, lets see how we go next season. Missed chance, next few fixtures will be tough
