Aston Villa have begun their Premier League campaign without scoring a goal in their first three matches. The BBC reports that manager Unai Emery is urging patience as he oversees a significant rebuild of the forward line following several high-profile departures.
What has changed in Villa's attack?
Six of the players who started the Europa League final victory in Istanbul have now left Villa Park. The most notable exit was record scorer Ollie Watkins, who joined Al-Hilal for a large fee after netting many Premier League goals for the club. His partner Morgan Rogers also departed in a major move to Chelsea. Together, those two players were responsible for a significant share of Villa's league goals last season. Their replacements have arrived for substantial fees, headlined by the club-record signing of Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea. The 25-year-old scored league goals last season. Supporting him are new arrivals Ibrahim Mbaye, a deadline-day signing from Paris St-Germain, and Johan Manzambi, who is recovering from a knee injury after moving from Freiburg.
How are the new signings settling in?
Integration has been gradual. Only two summer signings, Jackson and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, started the recent 0-0 draw at Hull City. Mbaye was an unused substitute in that match, while Alejandro Garnacho, another new face, has found minutes limited by the emergence of 19-year-old George Hemmings. Emery has described Hemmings as "clearly a Premier League player." The manager's detailed meetings, which can last a long time, are part of the process of instilling his methods. "We must be patient, and we should understand that we are rebuilding the team," Emery told the BBC. "Now they must get our way and demands, keeping the same mentality that we built, but with different players."
Where does the team stand currently?
The lack of attacking fluency has contributed to a difficult start. Aston Villa sit 17th in the Premier League with just one point from three games, having conceded several goals without scoring any. They are already points behind early leaders Manchester City. This echoes a slow start from last season, when it took several games to score their first top-flight goal before the team ultimately triumphed in Europe. The immediate focus shifts to the Champions League, with an opening group game away to Club Brugge on Tuesday. Emery stressed the importance of focusing on the next challenge. "Now is no time to think two weeks or three weeks forward," he said. "We must try to focus on each match."
What comes next after the European trip?
Following the trip to Belgium, attention returns to the league and a key home match. Villa's next fixture at Villa Park is against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, 12 September. Forest currently sit one place above Villa in the table. The last meeting between the sides in April ended in a draw. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. With attacking options like Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo also in the squad, Emery will be hoping his rebuilt forward line can find its spark sooner rather than later. The team's current league position and form are detailed in the standings.
