Aston Villa's difficult start to the Premier League season highlights Unai Emery's recurring August struggles. The club sits 19th in the table with zero points, zero goals scored, and five conceded from their opening two matches, a situation reported by Daily Mail Sport.
Their 4-0 opening day defeat to Brighton set a concerning tone. With a recent form of two losses, Villa are already six points behind early leaders Manchester City. The immediate focus shifts to their next fixture, an away trip to face a high-flying Hull City side on Saturday, September 5th.
Why does Emery struggle in August?
Unai Emery's record in the opening month of the season is a clear trend. Across his spells at Arsenal and Aston Villa, he has lost nine of his 17 matches played in August. The manager himself believes the ongoing summer transfer window is a significant distraction, arguing it should close before the season begins. This period of flux appears to consistently impact his team's early performances on the pitch.
Which new players are affecting Villa's plans?
Several new signings are at different stages of readiness, complicating Emery's selection options. Zion Suzuki and Nicolas Jackson both made their debuts in the match against Arsenal. The club also expected to officially confirm the arrivals of Ibrahim Mbaye and Taylor Harwood-Bellis on Tuesday.
A major factor is the condition of near-£60m signing Manzambi, who is managing a knee problem. Emery stated they must be careful with his recovery. "He had an injury and we want his comeback to be clear and strong, with no risk," the Villa boss said. Manzambi was not expected to play before the international break but began collective training with the group this week.
How is the current squad shaping up?
Fitness issues extend beyond new arrivals. Leon Goretzka was not fit enough to start against Arsenal, with Emery noting the player needed more sessions. "He needs more training sessions on the training ground to get his fitness and the level we want," Emery explained. Including a player at half-speed is considered a risk in the Premier League's intense environment.
Forward Tammy Abraham's decision to stay at Villa Park, rejecting a loan move to Ipswich, may have frustrated Emery as it prevented another attacking addition. Meanwhile, winger Leon Bailey, among the club's higher earners, is surplus to requirements and has already turned down a move to Hull. If he remains, his involvement in the months ahead seems limited.
What is the challenge against Hull City?
The task for Villa this weekend is formidable. They travel to face a Hull City side sitting third in the Premier League with six points from their six matches. For a Villa team yet to score, breaking down a confident opponent will be a major test. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures page and check the latest league positions in the standings.
Emery must find a way to accelerate his team's cohesion quickly. With the transfer window closed and the squad settled, the focus turns entirely to extracting results from a group that includes significant new investment. Their next opportunity comes at the MKM Stadium on September 5th.
