Aston Villa boss Unai Emery conceded that he was left frustrated after our 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, but is confident we can get back on track after the international break.
After our brilliant unbeaten home record came to an emphatic end this weekend, that’s now just one point from our opening three games of the Premier League season, while we’ve yet to score a single goal.
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Barring a more positive period after half-time, it was another abject performance on the whole, as we struggled to show any creativity, quality, ideas, tempo, intensity or rhythm, while there are clearly problems both collectively and individually as we’re falling way short of previous standards and levels of performance.
The signs are admittedly quite concerning, and coupled with the distractions and worries off the pitch after what has been a disappointing transfer window in which we’ve seen the squad arguably get weaker, the pressure and anxiousness is building as that’s now filtered onto the pitch too.
Based on his comments below, the Villa boss is clearly looking forward to the transfer window ending in order to have that clarity over who he has at his disposal, as he commented on Emiliano Martinez after the Argentine international was left out of the squad to face Palace amid speculation over his future.
The expectation is that we’ll get an answer on him on Monday, but it’s certainly hoped that we’re able to bring in some reinforcements ahead of the deadline, although it’s questionable as to whether or not we can do enough to solve our issues, with the solutions likely to come from the current group and Emery inspiring improvement and change in our form.
“Frustrated yes, but we played the first half well and followed the game plan we were expecting and we were dominating the match,” he told Sky Sports, as quoted by BBC Sport. “We were not creating good chances, we had one very good one with [Ollie] Watkins. But we were dominating.
“We did not concede corners or set pieces. We had good ball possession and did not concede many transitions. Then we conceded the penalty and it was 1-0, so of course after it was more difficult.
“The second half we started well the first 20-25 minutes until the second goal and then maybe after it was more difficult. Of course we are frustrated and sad for our supporters but you have to accept it.
“In the first three games we have started badly but tomorrow is 1st September, the transfer window finishes and I am confident for the next matches after this week.
“Yes we need some players but now we have what we have and we need to try to get more balance again, more than in the transfer window.
“You get balance with the players tomorrow after the transfer window and after the break we have a lot of players with the national team – this is one of the developments we have had in the three years here, a lot of players with national team and we are playing in Europe – sometimes to keep this level is not easy.
“Of course we are frustrated when we are not able to have the level of performance but I am confident that we can find the balance and the structure in everything, and our mentality as well.”
On Emi Martinez:Â “We have to fix it with him. Tomorrow the transfer window finishes and we are expecting something hopefully to improve the squad. But we keep calm. One of the situations we are speaking about is Emi Martinez but we will see tomorrow. Then we try to get the balance and try to work after the break and try again at Everton to recover our mentality.”
Emery went on to speak with Match of the Day, and while he reiterated many of the points mentioned above, he added more detail and insight on Martinez, as evidently a solution one way or another will be found on Monday.
There is concern that Villa have ultimately left it too late as we’ll be under immense pressure in the coming hours to deliver new players, but of course we’ve had the problem of facing financial restraints all summer too and so that has to be factored into our planning and struggles thus far.
Now though, it’s hoped that with a settled squad after the deadline, we can put a stop to our slide against Everton on September 13 after the break, and start to get back to winning ways to build back our confidence and belief after what has been a turbulent few months, and few weeks on the pitch specifically since the season started.
“Sad for our supporters. Frustrated with the result,” he added. Â “We were dominating – we were not conceding transitions, not conceding a lot of attacks off them. We were more or less dominating.
“We made one mistake and they scored [Palace’s opening goal]. Of course, in the dressing room we were talking about how we needed to follow the gameplan. Of course, this defeat is something we have to be frustrated at.”
On the transfer window:Â “We have some circumstances that’s not helping us. Tomorrow is finishing the transfer window. Hopefully, we can keep balance after it with the squad. This is really important to see how we can again recover our power like we did last year.”
On Emiliano Martinez:Â “We will see tomorrow [f he stays a Aston Villa player]. Of course, one of the circumstances that is not helping us.
“We need others, of course. I am happy with the players we have, but we have to get something more in the squad.”
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