The Aston Villa Blog Feed

Beating Spurs and this waste of time international break

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:42:00 +0200

So, that was a match worth waiting for but during it, I’m thinking that what I wrote in the match post about sloppy play, was going to cost us and it still bothers me a little even though I’ve created a reason to defend it below. And it didn’t cost us because Zion Suzuki kept us in it.

The sloppiness didn’t always lead to an opportunity for them though and the more I watch, I’m starting to think while it is sloppy, it’s maybe part of how we are approaching this season and that maybe we’re taking a numbers game approach to things.

Aston Villa at Spurs, the manager decision and highlights from the news conference

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0200

Spurs are not the same Spurs they were a few seasons ago and they’ve spent an awful lot of money this year to try and make themselves better.

And they have most of the ingredients. I was at the new stadium recently and it’s impressive and everyone loves London. So why, with such a wonderful stadium and all this money to spend do you let a manager like Roberto De Zerbi spend it?

League Cup at Coventry City

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:01:00 +0200

I don’t remember the last time we played Coventry City as it was or feels like a very long time ago, but we have this page and I was able to look at all past League results. Have we played them in a cup game since then?

I do think I’m right in writing that tonight will be the first time we’ve played at this stadium though. And like all matches at this level, it’s not going to be a walk in the park, but it is an important game in a competition we want to be doing well in.

Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, Glasner and match facts from the BBC

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 22:44:45 +0200

Tuesday was a good night and it was lovely to see us approach the game in a manner that made us think quite early on that we were going to get three points.

We’ve not seen that in the League this season, but there are reasons for that. Hopefully, the reasons for that are something that we can move on from. That doesn’t mean we will see the same approach tomorrow.

Calm heads and Europe's back: Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 07:53:02 +0200

I remember how last season started and it wasn’t great. But even then, I knew it would come good because of who we have as manager. And then we ended the season with silverware.

You’d think some would factor this in. I understand it’s frustrating and we’ve lost the spine of our side but the spine was getting old. The spine is now quite young.

That written, we’ve lost Leon Goretzka because he’s not ready for the Premier League and he was I think the oldest player we brought in. But I have faith that when he comes back it will be well worth the wait.

Matty Cash on Villa's transition, Danny Murphy backs Emery, Hull City draw reaction

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 07:23:28 +0200

Matty Cash has responded to external scrutiny of Aston Villa’s summer rebuild, insisting the squad will adapt despite a challenging start. According to the Birmingham Mail, Cash acknowledged the scale of change after 10 signings and several key departures, including Ollie Watkins and Emi Martínez, but remained confident: “It’s a new Villa and we are going to be fine, 100 per cent.” Villa registered their first point of the season in a 0-0 draw at Hull City, with Cash emphasising the need for patience.

Hull City stalemate, Suzuki praise and player ratings

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 09:39:13 +0200

Aston Villa were held to a 0-0 draw by newly-promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, extending the hosts’ unbeaten start to the Premier League season. The Tigers, who stunned Manchester United on the opening day, registered their third consecutive clean sheet against a Villa side who created enough to win the game but couldn’t find a finish.

Nicolas Jackson headed narrowly wide from an early Ian Maatsen cross, and Villa dominated from there, taking 67 per cent of first-half possession and producing an expected goals figure of 1.74 to Hull’s 0.58. John McGinn and Emi Buendía both missed big chances after the break, while Hull’s clearest opening came just after the hour when Mohamed Belloumi rattled the crossbar. Sergej Jakirović’s side saw the game out in front of a home crowd that played its part.

Window shut, Hull tomorrow and match facts from the BBC

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000

The window is shut and business is done and now the manager can concentrate on getting the players to play how he wants, while as supporters we can focus on the matches and enjoying the season.

And that starts again tomorrow against Hull. And how we enjoy the matches is unique to each of us. But nobody can deny this is a great time to be an Aston Villa fan.

Arsenal at Villa Park, Ollie and Emi gone and match facts from the BBC

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 07:45:00 +0000

The first home match of the season is always a good one. It doesn’t tell you much these days but it does remind you that proper football is back.

And tonight, it’s back. But before looking at the match we’ve had a couple of players leave and some come in since the last post. And even though there are no surprises, something needs to be written.

Ollie Watkins transfer talk dominates Aston Villa news, Leon Goretzka signs

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:43:28 +0200

Aston Villa’s summer transfer activity continues to dominate the headlines, with Ollie Watkins’ potential departure a major talking point. Reports suggest Watkins is pushing for a move to Al Hilal, having missed Villa’s season opener against Brighton. Former Villa winger Steve Froggatt believes this may have ‘crossed a line’ with supporters, potentially tarnishing the striker’s legacy at the club according to BBC Sport.

Meanwhile, Villa have completed the signing of Leon Goretzka on a free transfer, according to the Birmingham Mail. The 31-year-old German midfielder arrives from Bayern Munich and is expected to bring experience to Unai Emery’s squad during a period of significant change. Goretzka could make his debut against Arsenal.

Martínez linked with Chelsea, Villa agree Jackson deal, Grealish loan approach

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:00:19 +0200

Chelsea are considering a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, according to The Guardian. The Argentina international, who was not in the squad for Villa’s opening Premier League match, has reportedly expressed a desire to leave after a proposed move to Juventus collapsed last week. Villa have already signed Zion Suzuki from Parma as a potential replacement.

Meanwhile, Villa have agreed a £65m deal with Chelsea for striker Nicolas Jackson, according to the same report. The Senegal international is expected to replace Ollie Watkins, who is reportedly close to a £50m move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Ollie Watkins transfer speculation, Nicolas Jackson talks, Joel Ordonez pursuit

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:03:19 +0200

Aston Villa’s transfer activity remains focused on potential striker replacements as Ollie Watkins’ future continues to dominate headlines. According to The Guardian, Chelsea have opened talks with Villa over the sale of Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at £65m. Unai Emery previously worked with Jackson at Villarreal, and Villa are reportedly exploring payment structures to facilitate the deal. Meanwhile, Watkins is expected to join Al-Hilal, though Villa have rejected a £45m bid for the striker, according to the Birmingham Mail.

Not the result or performance we wanted, Arsenal up next and still lots to happen

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

We all know the game is rigged but it is a game and someone owns the football. And this means, for Clubs like us, we have to act the way we are acting. And is there a better word to use than rigged?

And because it’s rigged, it means we are not really going to know what position we are in until the transfer window closes. And because of that we are going to have players that will throw their toys out of the pram hoping to get what they want.

Ollie Watkins absence, injury updates and Brighton reaction

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Unai Emery offered little clarity on Ollie Watkins’ absence from Aston Villa’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton, telling reporters via The Guardian that questions about the striker’s availability “are for him”.

Emery’s pointed refusal to discuss the matter further follows reports that Watkins is considering a move to Al-Hilal. The England forward’s absence compounded a dismal team performance, with Emery acknowledging post-match to the BBC that Villa “were not at the level required”.

Konsa sold to Arsenal, Wan-Bissaka arrives and Emery's transfer window concerns

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aston Villa have confirmed the sale of defender Ezri Konsa to Arsenal for a reported £50m plus add-ons, a significant departure as Unai Emery reshapes his squad. The move comes alongside the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka on an initial loan from West Ham, providing cover at right-back. Emery has openly acknowledged the challenges of this window, stating he is both “worried and positive” about the season ahead, particularly with key players being targeted by rivals.

Brighton on Sunday, Watkins, Konsa, incomings, mini season preview and match facts from the BBC

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Proper football is finally back and what a season we have in front of us. And is it just me or does it feel like it’s been longer than normal? The World Cup didn’t help but I’m glad we’re back and I’m looking forward to it.

And we’ve reason to be optimistic and it all comes down to the person pictured below. We’ve had a dark day for Aston Villa in the past, but the day this man became our manager was a very special day.

Villa's Super Cup display earns praise, Madjo makes history, Emery reflects on work ahead

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 07:21:33 +0200

Aston Villa fell 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, but the performance of 17-year-old Brian Madjo has dominated post-match discussion. The teenager became the competition’s youngest-ever scorer with his first-half equaliser, earning praise from Unai Emery and captain John McGinn. According to the Birmingham Mail, McGinn described Madjo as “absolutely fantastic” and predicted he would be “a big player for us this season”.

Emery, speaking to BBC Sounds, acknowledged “of course still work to do” after the match, while Dion Dublin stressed Villa must “keep winning” to maintain their place among Europe’s elite. The Guardian’s match report noted Villa’s “fearless display” against the Champions League holders, with Madjo’s physicality causing problems for PSG’s defence.

Super Cup tonight, Lucas Digne and FPL

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:08:49 +0200

We have two more matches before the season starts and the bigger of the two is tonight against PSG in the Super Cup. And even though it is pre-season, it’s an opportunity for silverware and everyone will be taking it seriously.

But it’s an easy one to brush off if things don’t go to plan because it is pre-season and it’s not the League. But it is still silverware and it would be nice.

Unai Emery on Aston Villa's Super Cup challenge, Ollie Watkins absence, transfer updates

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:02:49 +0200

Unai Emery has spoken about Aston Villa’s UEFA Super Cup challenge against Paris Saint-Germain, acknowledging the European champions as favourites but expressing confidence in his side’s ability to compete. Villa will be without key players Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Emiliano Martínez, who are still on holiday after their World Cup campaigns. Emery explained that he gave the trio four weeks’ rest following their July 19 finish, describing the break as “completely necessary” according to the Birmingham Mail.

Aston Villa season preview, Joao Gomes message, Lucas Digne farewell

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:34:45 +0200

The Guardian’s Premier League season preview highlights the challenges facing Aston Villa after their Europa League triumph. Unai Emery’s side, predicted to finish seventh, have seen key departures including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne, while Ezri Konsa could follow if Arsenal make a serious bid. New signings João Gomes, Johan Manzambi and Alejandro Garnacho will need to make an immediate impact as Villa aim to secure consecutive Champions League qualifications.

Digne departs, Palhinha pursuit and injury boost ahead of Brighton

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aston Villa have confirmed the departure of Lucas Digne to Paris Saint-Germain in a deal reportedly worth €15 million with add-ons.

Attention now turns to potential incomings, with Villa locked in talks with Bayern Munich over midfielder Joao Palhinha. The 31-year-old Portugal international remains a priority target, though Newcastle’s interest could complicate matters. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi’s past praise for Palhinha’s “intensity and tactical intelligence” adds weight to Villa’s pursuit.

Elsewhere, reports suggest Villa are monitoring Endrick’s situation at Real Madrid, though any move for the Brazilian teenager would likely depend on loan availability. Forward Evann Guessand could head out, with Crystal Palace showing interest in the 21-year-old after his loan spell.

Matteo Ruggeri deal, Joao Palhinha talks and Ezri Konsa rumours

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Aston Villa appear to have made progress in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid left-back Matteo Ruggeri, with reports suggesting the player has given the ‘green light’ to a move. The Italian full-back, currently owned by Atalanta but on loan at Atletico, would provide competition for Lucas Digne and Álex Moreno.

Villa’s director of football Damian Vidagany has broken cover to confirm the club’s interest in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha. In comments to the Birmingham Mail, Vidagany described the Portuguese international as a “perfect fit” for Unai Emery’s system, though negotiations with Fulham are understood to be complex given their £50m valuation.

Bayern Munich friendly defeat, Konsa transfer talk and Super Cup squad confirmation

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Aston Villa fell to a 2-1 defeat against Bayern Munich in their pre-season friendly in Hong Kong today. BirminghamLive’s live coverage followed the match, while their post-match analysis highlighted some promising individual performances despite the result.

Reports continue to swirl around Ezri Konsa’s future, with the Birmingham Mail suggesting the dressing room is ‘increasingly resigned’ to his potential departure amid interest from Arsenal. While no official bid has been confirmed, there is speculation the Gunners may return with an improved offer for the defender.

Silly season, perspective and ins and outs

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

I don’t know where to start and not because there is lots to write about, because it’s pre-season and not much really matters right now other than fitness and everyone learning how Unai Emery wants to approach the season.

Morgan Rogers did leave for the £117mn and we have brought in Alejandro Garnacho on loan for the season, in a deal quite similar to the Harvey Elliott deal last summer, meaning there are conditions that could make the loan a permanent signing.

Looks like Rogers is off but Manzambi is confirmed and more are coming

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

It looks like Morgan Rogers is about to leave Aston Villa in a deal reportedly worth £117mn. with Chelsea.

He’s leaving a manager and Club on the rise to join a side that have looked lost since Roman Abramovich was forced to sell and I’m guessing it’s pretty much for the money. And the hope of success, with a manager that has had one good season.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand. He’s a young adult that has grown up in the system and now he’s going to earn double digit millions a season living in the capital.