Unai Emery has challenged his Aston Villa players to transform Villa Park back into a 'fortress' as they prepare to host Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Spanish manager is determined to halt a disappointing run of results on home soil that has seen his side fail to win in their opening three fixtures of the season.
Donyell Malen has revealed the personal frustrations that led to his departure from Aston Villa, admitting he felt undervalued during his time in the Premier League. The Dutch international has undergone a stunning transformation since moving to Italy, establishing himself as a key figure under Gian Piero Gasperini.
Manchester City remain wedged under the Financial Fair Play (FFP) microscope, but Danny Mills has told GOAL why - “with certain caveats” - billionaire owners in the Premier League should be allowed to “spend what they want”. The deepest of pockets can now be found in boardrooms across English football, so why are the super wealthy not able to splash the cash?
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has opened up on his decision to swap Aston Villa for Chelsea, admitting that a painful international defeat sparked his desire for a fresh start. The veteran goalkeeper secured a bargain move to Stamford Bridge following a summer of major upheaval for both club and country.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has claimed that Manchester City are not alone in their financial dealings, suggesting that a significant number of clubs have artificially inflated their budgets to meet regulatory requirements. The Spaniard expressed his concern that the unprecedented success achieved by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium is now under threat of being permanently overshadowed by legal battles.
John McGinn admitted Scotland endured a major reality check under Sebastien Pocognoli after being thoroughly outclassed in a 3-0 Nations League defeat against Switzerland. An early red card for Jack Hendry paved the way for a bruising evening at Hampden Park, leaving the newly appointed manager still searching for his first victory in the dugout.
Fenerbahce have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial Champions League trip to Birmingham as UEFA confirmed a reduction in Matteo Guendouzi’s European suspension. The French midfielder is now officially available for selection when the Turkish giants face Unai Emery's Aston Villa at Villa Park next month.
Alejandro Garnacho has been told that the overhead kick brilliance which once made him a player of such promise at Manchester United is still there, with Carlton Cole suggesting to GOAL that the Aston Villa loanee may have become caught up in his own hype. The Argentina international is considered to have wandered into the Premier League’s last-chance saloon.
Dele Alli serves as a warning to Jadon Sancho of what can happen when a promising career goes off the rails, former Aston Villa star Ray Houghton has told GOAL. Having struggled for a spark at Manchester United, Chelsea and Villa, England international Sancho is now a free agent. Fellow former Three Lions star Dele finds himself in a similar position, and has done so for over 12 months.
Aston Villa have opened contract talks with in-form attacking midfielder Emi Buendia as the star nears the end of his current deal. Unai Emery’s side are determined to secure the Argentina international’s future following a summer of high-profile player departures from Villa Park.
Alejandro Garnacho’s loan move from Chelsea to Aston Villa has rapidly descended into a nightmare, leaving the former Manchester United starlet facing an uncertain future just months after his arrival. Despite joining with significant fanfare, the Argentine international has struggled to force his way into Unai Emery’s plans, sparking intense speculation regarding a potential exit.
Jadon Sancho still finds himself without a club following his release by Manchester United, with the England international being surprisingly snubbed after hitting free agency. His last competitive action came during a loan spell at Aston Villa, with Ray Houghton explaining to GOAL what the important questions are that the 26-year-old winger must find answers to.
Tottenham Hotspur’s disastrous start to the new Premier League season reached a new low this weekend, after which Roberto De Zerbi criticised his team but was left looking at a loss.
Aston Villa
