Aston Villa have joined other Premier League clubs in raising concerns with refereeing body Pro Ref about a new rule on injuries and substitutions. The club's complaint focuses on a regulation that any player who receives medical attention on the pitch must leave it and remain on the touchline for 60 seconds.
The rule in question
Under the new guidelines, if a substituted player takes more than ten seconds to leave the field, his replacement cannot enter until the first break in play after a full minute has passed. Villa are not the only top-flight side to have voiced their unease with the system this season. The club has made its stance known.
Emery's focus on attitude
Manager Unai Emery addressed the media this week, shifting focus to the application of his squad. He spoke about new signing Alejandro Garnacho, who joined on an initial loan from Chelsea. The 22-year-old has managed only 31 minutes of action so far. "His attitude is positive," Emery said. "Now he needs time and hard work every day and he is showing it."
The manager's comments come as Villa seek their first Premier League win and goal of the season. They sit 17th in the table with just one point from three games, having scored none and conceded five. Their recent form shows one win, one draw and three losses in the last five outings.
Looking for a spark
Villa did get off the mark in the Champions League with a 3-2 win at Club Brugge last week. John McGinn, Emi Buendia and Nicolas Jackson found the net in that victory. They now prepare for a key Premier League fixture at home to Nottingham Forest, who are one place above them in 16th.
In other squad news, Morgan Rogers completed a move to Chelsea this summer. The team's current league position and goal difference are detailed on our standings page. Villa host Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on Saturday, 12 September.
