Alejandro Garnacho remains stuck on just 31 minutes for Aston Villa after being left unused again during the 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
The Chelsea loanee was named among Unai Emery’s substitutes in north London but did not feature as Villa secured their first Premier League win of the season.
It means Garnacho’s 31 minutes are still spread across only three substitute appearances since his summer arrival.
Garnacho remains behind Aston Villa rivals
BBC Sport reports that Garnacho has yet to convince Emery two months into his Villa spell.
The manager had already made his position clear following the Carabao Cup victory over Coventry City.
“He is progressing, but we have players in front of him now,” Emery said.
That hierarchy was evident again against Tottenham.
Johan Manzambi started and scored, while Emi Buendia and Nicolas Jackson also found the net.
Our Tottenham vs Aston Villa confirmed lineups showed Garnacho among the substitutes, but another match passed without an appearance.
International break offers Garnacho opportunity
The extended international break now gives Garnacho an important period at Bodymoor Heath.
Emery has previously praised his attitude but wants the winger to improve before earning a larger role.
Garnacho is registered in Villa’s Champions League squad, so opportunities remain available across several competitions.
However, competition is increasing rather than easing.
Manzambi’s Tottenham performance strengthened his position, while George Hemmings and Ibrahim Mbaye have also been preferred at different stages.
For Garnacho, the next three weeks represent an important opportunity to change Emery’s thinking before Villa face Brentford on 10 October.
