Aston Villa have endured a frustrating start to the Premier League campaign, recording no goals in their first three matches and managing only a single shot on target. The scoreless draw at Hull City on Saturday extended a barren run that has reignited memories of last season, when Villa took five games to find their first top-flight goal before going on to win the Europa League.
What makes this season’s struggle distinct is the sheer scale of change at Villa Park. Following their European triumph in Istanbul, six members of the starting XI departed, including top scorer Ollie Watkins and creator Morgan Rogers. In their place, manager Unai Emery has introduced a new attacking core, headlined by record signing Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson, acquired for £65m from Chelsea, arrives as the primary replacement for Watkins, who moved to Saudi Arabia for £51m after scoring a club-record 91 Premier League goals. Despite Jackson’s lower strike rate in his debut English season—14 goals and five assists compared to Watkins’ 19 and 13—he brings experience from a successful loan spell at Bayern Munich, where he posted a conversion rate of 21.1%.
Emery expressed full confidence in the Senegal international, who also represented his country at this summer’s World Cup. However, the boss acknowledged the challenge of integrating ten new players into his system, including Ibrahim Mbaye and Alejandro Garnacho. Both were signed to replenish the creative void left by the departures of Rogers and Lucas Digne, who accounted for significant goal contributions last term.
Mbaye, a £47m signing from Paris Saint-Germain, created four goals in 10 starts last season, while Garnacho provided four assists and six big chances for Chelsea. Yet, familiarity is currently lacking; Garnacho has been held out of the starting lineup by highly rated academy product George Hemmings, who impressed in his limited 25 minutes of Premier League action.
Emery emphasized the need for patience during his demanding tactical briefings, which can last up to two hours. With only Jackson and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki having started previous games, the Spanish manager admitted that building cohesion will take time.
“We must be patient, and we should understand that we are rebuilding the team,” Emery said. “Now is no time to think two weeks or three weeks forward. We must try to focus on each match.”
Villa now turn their attention to their second Champions League campaign, hosting Club Brugge on Tuesday in a bid to spark their season. They will follow that with a home clash against Nottingham Forest, looking to convert their recent points into victories.
Good thing they won the Europa League last year. At least we know this project has a winner’s mentality.
Wait, did Garnacho actually start? I thought Hemmings was getting the nod instead?
Jackson at £65m seems steep for someone who hasn’t scored yet. Let’s see if that Bayern form translates.
Six new attackers takes time. Emery is right to ask for patience, but the fans need a goal soon.