Unai Emery has admitted Aston Villa still have work to do after their goal drought continued with a 0-0 draw against Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
Villa collected their first Premier League point of the season but have now gone three consecutive league matches without scoring.
The result came after Read Aston Villa had highlighted the possibility of Emery’s side extending their unwanted attacking run before kick-off. Read our look at Aston Villa’s worrying Premier League goal drought.
Villa did at least finally threaten the opposition goal, but Emi Buendía wasted one of their best opportunities from George Hemmings’ cut-back as the visitors struggled to turn possession into clear chances. Match coverage from The Guardian also noted that Villa’s substitutions failed to significantly alter the contest.
Unai Emery admits Aston Villa still have work to do
Speaking after the final whistle, Emery acknowledged that improvements were visible but made it clear Villa remain some way from the level he wants.
“Not completely happy, but I think and I told the players this is how we did before our way here. With the players we had, the players we had, the new players, we try to give this injection.”
Emery’s comments continue the theme he established before the Hull game when he challenged his rebuilt Aston Villa squad to raise its standards following the closure of the transfer window.
Aston Villa new signings need time to adapt
A major part of Villa’s early-season challenge has been integrating numerous summer arrivals into Emery’s highly structured tactical system.
£47million signing Ibrahim Mbaye remained unused against Hull, with Emery instead introducing Alejandro Garnacho, Matteo Ruggeri, Alysson, Tammy Abraham and Aaron Wan-Bissaka during the second half.
“The players who joined us need some adaptation. Some are adapting quicker than others. In everything we are building, we must try and add the players who joined us in the direction we want.”
That suggests Emery will continue judging his new arrivals on their understanding of Villa’s overall structure rather than reputation or transfer fee alone.
Emery sends message to Aston Villa supporters
Despite their difficult start, Emery insisted previous periods of uncertainty had ultimately been overcome during his time at Villa Park.
“Overall, I can tell the fans and the players that I understand this is the way. In the last four years, with the success and performances we have had, we have had some days like today.”
Villa now have little time to dwell on their attacking problems.
Their upcoming schedule includes a Champions League trip to Club Brugge before Nottingham Forest visit Villa Park in the Premier League. Supporters can follow the complete programme through Read Aston Villa’s regularly updated fixture hub.
For Emery, the challenge is increasingly clear: integrate his new squad quickly and turn improved attacking positions into goals.
