Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing attack on the Liverpool squad following their heavy 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, branding the current side "physically and mentally weak." The Reds legend pulled no punches as he watched his former club's defensive frailties laid bare at Villa Park, leaving Arne Slot facing a mountain of questions regarding his future.
Arne Slot cut a frustrated figure at Villa Park as he attempted to explain another defensive collapse that has left Liverpool’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. The Reds boss admitted his side are making life far too easy for their opponents after a 4-2 defeat marked a staggering 20th loss of a miserable campaign.
Liverpool's disastrous title defence hit a new low on Friday night as they were thumped by Champions League-bound Aston Villa - a result that leaves their own hopes of qualification in jeopardy. The Reds were tormented by Ollie Watkins throughout, with the England striker bagging a brace and laying on another. The 4-2 defeat leaves Arne Slot's side fifth in the Premier League, four points clear of Bournemouth in sixth having played a game more.
Harvey Elliott is ineligible to play for Aston Villa against parent club Liverpool on Friday night. But Unai Emery wouldn't have picked him anyway. And not to save him for next week's Europa League final against Freiburg. Elliott hasn't seen a single minute of game time since March because he's one appearance away from triggering the clause in his loan agreement that would oblige Villa to buy him for £35 million ($46m) - and they've absolutely no intention of allowing that to happen.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has issued a candid apology to Harvey Elliott, admitting that the midfielder's temporary switch from Liverpool has become an "embarrassing" situation for all parties. Despite arriving with high expectations, the 23-year-old has found himself frozen out of the first-team picture due to complex contractual obligations.
Arne Slot has provided a definitive update on Harvey Elliott's future at Anfield following a frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa. The Liverpool manager confirmed that the young midfielder will rejoin the first-team squad for pre-season training after failing to secure regular minutes under Unai Emery.
Arne Slot has provided a significant fitness update ahead of Liverpool’s crucial Premier League encounter away at Aston Villa on Friday night. While talismanic forward Mohamed Salah is prepared to make his return following a two-match injury absence, the Reds may be forced to navigate the fixture without influential playmaker Florian Wirtz due to a sudden illness.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has raised eyebrows by insisting he was "very happy" with his side's 2-2 draw against relegated Burnley on Sunday. The Spanish boss launched a passionate defence of his squad at Turf Moor, remaining steadfastly positive even as their pursuit of Champions League qualification hit a significant roadblock.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho could be set for a sensational return to the Premier League, but not at former club Chelsea or Newcastle. Recent reports indicate that a new trophy-chasing contender has entered the frame to secure the services of the ‘Special One’ as he looks for his next challenge.
Prince William's passion for Aston Villa was on full display at Villa Park on Thursday night as he watched his beloved side secure a historic European result. The Prince of Wales could not contain his excitement as Unai Emery's men dismantled Nottingham Forest 4-0 to book their ticket to the Europa League final.
Aston Villa have work to do in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest, but Tony Dorigo has told GOAL why Unai Emery can be an “incredible” ace up the Villans’ sleeve. The Spanish tactician is looking to land a familiar trophy for the fifth time in his coaching career, with Dorigo saying “if anyone can, he can” when it comes to bringing a 30-year wait for tangible success to a close in the West Midlands.
Nottingham Forest are facing an anxious wait over the fitness of star playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of their crucial Europa League semi-final second leg at Aston Villa. Having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, the club are dreaming of the final, but the midfielder's significant head injury against Chelsea leaves his participation at Villa Park in major doubt.
Chelsea are now out of the race for a top-five finish in the Premier League, but a narrow and unlikely route to the Champions League still exists. The Blues must climb to sixth in the Premier League - and hope Aston Villa deliver a crucial favour in Europe.
Manchester United are planning a significant restructure of their midfield as they look to future-proof the squad. The Red Devils have reportedly identified two of the Premier League's rising stars, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, as primary targets to lead the club into a new era.
Louis Saha has described Jadon Sancho as "the most disappointing signing in Manchester United history". The former Red Devils striker says the £73 million ($99m) winger’s failure to replicate his Borussia Dortmund form at Old Trafford remains a "mystery".
Real Madrid have reportedly added Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to their shortlist of candidates to take over the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish giants are beginning their search for a successor to Alvaro Arbeloa, whose tenure appears to be coming to an end as Los Blancos face back-to-back seasons without a major trophy.
Conor Gallagher heaped praise on Roberto De Zerbi after Tottenham hauled themselves out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win at Aston Villa. The English midfielder claimed that "every player trusts" De Zerbi already, with the Italian coach having overseen two wins, one draw and one defeat in his first four games since replacing Igor Tudor.
Manchester United have emerged as shock contenders to sign Donyell Malen, a player who famously struggled to make an impact in the Premier League with Aston Villa. Despite failing to secure a regular starting spot under Unai Emery before being shipped out in January, the Dutch international has seen his stock soar during a prolific stint in Serie A.
Roberto De Zerbi has launched a passionate defence of his squad's survival hopes, insisting that those who complain about bad luck are simply "losers". The Tottenham boss delivered a defiant four-minute monologue ahead of a crucial trip to Aston Villa, demanding his players show maximum commitment in their battle to avoid the drop.
Morgan Gibbs-White admitted he was stunned by an incredible save from Emi Martinez during Nottingham Forest’s Europa League semi-final win over Aston Villa. The Forest playmaker could only watch in disbelief as the Villa goalkeeper produced a remarkable stop at the City Ground.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has identified three dream transfer targets for the club this summer, including Bayern Munich's Harry Kane. Neville also named a more "realistic" trio of potential signings for the Red Devils as they strive to compete for the biggest trophies next season.
Coventry are back in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years, with GOAL being told why the likes of Aston Villa, Everton and Brighton will struggle to compete with Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard on the transfer front. Established top-flight outfits may have more money to spend, but Joe Cole believes a “marquee name” at the CBS Arena will help to attract the kind of talent that may prove out of reach to others.
Jack Grealish has found an unlikely ally in former Aston Villa teammate Gabby Agbonlahor after images surfaced of the playmaker appearing to be asleep at a Manchester rooftop bar. The England international, currently sidelined with a season-ending injury, has been the subject of intense scrutiny following his latest afternoon outing.
Morgan Rogers has been told that he can “go higher”, amid renewed transfer talk at Aston Villa, with Henri Lansbury telling GOAL why the classy England international playmaker is capable of “stepping on again”. Rogers has proved himself in the Premier League, while also gracing European competition, and could take on a new challenge outside of his homeland at some stage.
Aston Villa
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
