Unai Emery has admitted Aston Villa are still “rebuilding” after their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal left his new-look side pointless and goalless after two Premier League matches.
Bukayo Saka scored the only goal at Villa Park as Villa followed their opening-day 4-0 defeat at Brighton with another loss.
The scoreline was considerably closer this time, but Villa again failed to register a shot on target.
Despite that worrying attacking return, Emery struck a more optimistic tone after the final whistle.
Speaking after the defeat, Emery told Reuters that Villa had competed well against a team he considers favourites for the Premier League title.
He then acknowledged the scale of the work taking place at Villa Park.
“We are rebuilding,” Emery said, before insisting there had been “a lot of positive things” in the performance.
Unai Emery sees progress despite Aston Villa problems
Villa’s summer transformation provides important context.
Six players who started last season’s Europa League final have subsequently departed, an extraordinary turnover which led to Aston Villa making unwanted English football history.
Emiliano Martinez, Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa are among the major names no longer available to Emery.
Reuters notes that Villa have already made 11 summer signings, with Nicolas Jackson and Zion Suzuki both making their first starts against Arsenal.
Suzuki impressed in goal, while Jackson produced some encouraging moments despite Villa failing to seriously test David Raya.
Emery’s comments also represent a slight change in emphasis after he previously refused to use the upheaval as an excuse.
That stance has been particularly important since Gary Neville warned that Villa had effectively had the heart of their squad ripped out following the Brighton defeat. ReadAstonVilla covered Neville’s concern over Emery and Villa’s rebuild last week.
There was certainly progress against Arsenal.
The Guardian reported that Villa appeared far more cohesive than they had at Brighton, with Suzuki and Jackson both providing encouragement.
Emery nevertheless knows performances must soon translate into results.
He admitted after full-time that “it is painful to lose”, even while taking encouragement from how Villa competed.
Two defeats have left Villa playing catch-up immediately.
Deadline Day now offers Emery one final opportunity to put the finishing touches to his rebuilt squad before attention turns fully towards Saturday’s trip to Hull City.
