Aston Villa have encountered significant challenges following a string of disappointing performances, leading manager Unai Emery to call for a restoration of confidence ahead of their impending clash with Brentford. Following a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Villa's winless run has now stretched to eight matches, leaving them precariously positioned in 12th place in the Premier League. Emery is acutely aware that the impressive form displayed by his team last season has made them a target for opponents this time around.
In his post-match reflections, Emery highlighted how rival teams are now approaching Villa with greater respect, perceiving them as a top-tier side. This shift in mindset has significantly altered the competitive landscape of the league. "We have to try to keep balance," he remarked after the setback against Chelsea, during which star goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez sustained a hand injury. He further elaborated, "I know this year is going to be more difficult. We are going to try to recover our confidence and everything we are doing, as well as understanding that this year is more challenging. We need points, now focusing on the top eight and, if we want to compete for the top five, we have to bounce back."
Emery also reflected on the marked differences between this season and the last, pointing out that Villa are no longer regarded as an unpredictable side. "Opposition teams don't have doubts now like they did last year," he explained. "Last season, we were consistent with the same style and many of the same players. Now, teams face us thinking we are a top-seven opponent. We have to remain calm and focus on the next match against Brentford on Wednesday, aiming to end this difficult run."
The defensive frailties exhibited against Chelsea underscored Villa's ongoing struggles, with mistakes at the back contributing to their failure to score consistently. Chelsea’s three-goal onslaught highlighted the fact that Villa have recorded just one clean sheet in their last 18 Premier League matches. Leading striker Ollie Watkins encapsulated the team's frustrations during the match, missing a gilt-edged opportunity in the first half by firing directly at Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. Alarmingly, Watkins has found the net just once in his last eight outings, a stark contrast to his remarkable tally of 27 goals across all competitions last season.
Jhon Duran, who previously made a notable impact as a substitute, is also grappling with a downturn in form, having drawn a blank in his last eight matches after scoring five times in his first eight appearances off the bench.
As Villa prepares for their upcoming fixture against Brentford, captain John McGinn has called for unity among his teammates, emphasising the importance of remaining cohesive in the face of adversity. He rejected the argument that midweek Champions League commitments are affecting their domestic performances. "We're in a tough moment as a group, so it’s essential to stick together and not let our progress falter," McGinn stated. "We’ve still got an opportunity to do something really special this season."
Expanding on the team's aspirations, McGinn asserted, "I am not sure the Champions League games are an excuse; last season's fixtures were more demanding. We know we are capable of competing and achieving positive results. We must return to the levels we reached in previous seasons."
As Aston Villa gears up for their encounter against Brentford, the focus now shifts to the players to reassert their capabilities and reclaim their confidence in pursuit of a much-needed turnaround.