The Aston Villa Blog Feed

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.

Youri leaves for United, rumours of Digne leaving too and maybe a Swiss player joining

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

So, what a day. Youri Tielemans has left Aston Villa for Manchester United for what is believed to be £35mn. That is quite a nice return for a player that cost nothing and is 29 years old.

I’m not just writing that because he’s left and I’m not bitter. Youri has done it in a professional manner and gave nothing but what looked like 100% for us. He is joining a side that some are placing bets the manager is getting sacked by January though.

Players back at Bodymoor, players still at the World Cup and is it coming home?

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The players are back at Bodymoor and England play Norway in the World Cup tonight. If England win, there is the semi-final on Wednesday against Argentina or Switzerland. The World Cup final takes place just a couple of days before our first pre-season fixture.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m now a little interested in the World Cup and obviously want England to go all the way, but this will impact our season. Sure, it’s going to impact a lot of sides so it will even out, but I’d prefer it impacted every other side and not us.

Summer nearly over and silly season about to start for Aston Villa and England

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

So, it’s almost here but before we get to Aston Villa, I can’t not write a post and mention England. After the first match the media were all over the national side, but after the match the night before this one or maybe the night before the night before depending on when this gets posted, you’d think they lost.

Yes, Harry Kane dived and got caught but he saved the side and won the match. And every match at this stage of the tournament is going to be tough. Maybe not for everyone, but you don’t get to the final without tough matches and it’s all about winning. And the dive, well that’s just what players do these days (and Harry has a history) but you’d think these players would have unlearnt by now that this would have got checked had the referee not seen it.

Season done, hopes for next season and the World Cup

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:57:12 +0000

So, here is the end of season post and I’m sorry it’s late. I’ve tried to write this three times in real life but in my head I’ve tried to write it every day. It’s not easy because it was such a great end to the season and I know this is going to fail in hitting the levels it should.

But we need a new post. The World Cup has now started and we have a post with over 4,000 comments.

Manchester City tomorrow, this week, Spurs or West Ham and match facts from the BBC

Sat, 23 May 2026 13:05:41 +0000

There requires a post about what's happened this week and it's coming, but we also have a match tomorrow. And what happened this week is only really starting to all come together for me and while I got home at a good time on Thursday, I slept until Thursday night and I've been playing catch up ever since.

But we need a new post and with Arsenal having already won the title and us already winning the Europa League, I'm not sure what incentive either side has tomorrow other than the additional money for finishing fourth or for Pep to leave on a high.

Here we go, Freiburg in the Europa League final

Mon, 18 May 2026 14:20:01 +0000

Due to a little trip, I've just got back to my home airport and I've come straight back into the lounge, ready to board the same plane I just landed on, so I can get a flight to Stockholm, then Copenhagen and then Istanbul. And this is what it's all about.

Remember when at the start of the season, years and years ago, you used to believe we had a chance of silverware, well it is starting to feel like that might be the case again.

Liverpool at Villa Park and match facts from the BBC

Thu, 14 May 2026 08:56:50 +0000

We are not at the end of the season and I'm not even thinking about using the term business end, but we are in need of something tomorrow night to let us go into next week, with a little less nervousness. And I write that for supporters.

And Villa Park under the lights, with next Wednesday coming up, will be some atmosphere and hopefully enough to get us the three points we should have picked up against Burnley.

Oh what a night, more of the same on Sunday please and match facts from the BBC

Fri, 08 May 2026 19:46:26 +0000

I'm really not sure what to write about yesterday. It feels like trying to sum up the performance and result isn't going to be possible with a few words written by me, but I have to write something so I'll try, but I most definitely wont be getting carried away even though I think I have today.

You see and as I wrote in the last post it's Sunday that counts. Don't get me wrong, yesterday was fantastic and special and a moment that in terms of recent times will only be topped by winning the tournament, but win on Sunday and we are all but assured Champions League football next season. In fact, we could confirm it if results go our way.

Forest tomorrow, Burnley on Sunday, match facts from the BBC and acting like grown up adults

Wed, 06 May 2026 15:39:40 +0000

So, it's the day before a big match and as is custom in my household I've finished work early, I've opened a bottle of wine and over the next hour or so I'm going to enjoy a glass or two and turn my mind to the match post.

But seeing as I've already had a glass, I want to write a little something about the Spurs match. In particular I want to focus on the meltdown many people seem to have had. And before that I just want to remind everyone that we are currently fifth in the table, six points ahead of the team below us and in the semi-finals of a major European competition.

Forest, Spurs, Forest and match facts from the BBC

Fri, 01 May 2026 10:15:29 +0000

I don't often write a post the day after a match but we have Spurs on Sunday and there are a couple of things to write about after last night and it's nice to get it out of the way while it's fresh.

I want to start with VAR and I've been a fan of VAR and the referees in Europe this season and for a long time because VAR doesn't get involved unless absolutely necessary and the referees like to let the game flow. I like this. But I don't think VAR should be in the game and I think there is a reason for it that nobody wants to discuss.

Very big night in Nottingham tonight

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:44:17 +0000

We've been treated to the best and worst of football this week. Okay, maybe not the best best or worst worst but the PSG match was great and Arsenal last night, was well, Arsenal.

But at this stage of the tournament both away sides from the Champions League will probably not be that disappointed because they both know they have an advantage in the second match.

And I'm not suggesting that we have to wait until next week but there is a degree of context. That said and I'll probably get to this soon, I think tonight is so important.

Fulham tomorrow, something else next week, Spurs and match facts from the BBC

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:00:44 +0000

Here we are, five games to go and playing for third in the Premier League, still with a chance in Europe. It doesn't really get much better. It can and that's obvious, but think about where we were such a short time ago.

And like I write every week, it wont be easy tomorrow. All games in the Premier League are games that can be won or lost on any given day. We have had a good run against Fulham however, but that doesn't mean it's three points tomorrow.

Fulham and Spurs coming up in the League, Sunderland just gone and Forest in Europe

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:48:02 +0000

There are an interesting number of games coming up over the next few weeks. First up is Fulham in London on Saturday, followed by the first leg of the semi final against Forest. We then have Spurs at Villa Park.

It's a hard ask, but imagine we win all three? I fancy, although I've not really looked, if we did, we'd have secured top five and will give us a great opportunity for a European final. And things feel good again don't they.

Sunderland on Sunday, Forest next in Europe and match facts from the BBC

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:57:05 +0000

Last night was very good and I'm struggling to find anything something that made me think that was strange or why did we do that. Disappointed with the missed penalty but penalties get saved and it happens to everyone.

The approach to the game, the energy, the professionalism, it was almost the perfect ninety minutes. But I'm an Aston Villa fan, so I'm not getting too excited or optimistic. I think by writing it was almost the perfect ninety minutes is getting too excited though, but I have a habit of contradicting myself.

Bologna at Villa Park, an eye on Sunderland and match facts from the BBC

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:31:49 +0000

There are no easy matches in the Premier League and if you get this far in Europe, there are also no easy matches. We might be going in to the match with a nice lead, it doesn't mean it's over.

But there may be an eye on the weekend as we are challenging on two fronts. And while there are no easy matches when you get this far, the two goals does allow us, maybe, to rest a player or two from the start and have them as options.

At Nottingham Forest, another step and match facts from the BBC

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:06:05 +0000

We had a good result in Italy and beating West Ham last time out in the League made a lot of us feel a little better about things but today will likely not be a walk in the park. Nottingham Forest are fighting relegation and playing sides in this position is never straightforward.

That they are at home and Vitor Pereira looks like he's getting a tune out of them now is reason to be cautious. And that's quite good for us, because under Unai Emery we're not a side that takes too many risks.