It was always a possibility that Aston Villa would lose to Crystal Palace. With the match being at Villa Park, though, few, if anyone, could have predicted the game unfolding the way it did, let alone a final result of 3-0.
To be frank, the way the match unfolded was shocking. Yes, Palace are a good side and have proved to be able to match up well against Villa. Even so, this is something that goes beyond the way the typical season would unfold. Instead, there appears to be something else affecting Unai Emery's side.
It is possible that the nature of knowing that there are a lot of disadvantages against the club is beginning to weigh upon those in the dressing room. The renewed likelihood of Emiliano Martínez being poised to leave the club for Manchester United and the way that it has unfolded within the past 24 hours, with so little time left before the transfer period ends, could also have posed a shock to the squad.
In either event, Villa have, for the second match in a row, enjoyed more of the possession while not being able to truly threaten the opposition's goal.
This alone does not make sense when considering that Villa played with one of the best goal scorers in the Premier League in Ollie Watkins. Emery supported him with two players who fans have practically been begging to see in Evann Guessand and Donyell Malen. With the PFA Young Player of the Year Award winner in Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans in midfield, there is not a tactical reason as to why Villa failed to score against Palace.
Correction needed soon from Aston Villa
The visitors, on the other hand, had fewer chances but were able to provide the clinical edge in the final third. Naturally, Ismaïla Sarr scored against Villa. Even a defender, Marc Guéhi, managed to hit a wonder strike.
For now, there needs to be a reset within the grounds. It is only three games into the season, but Villa are already in a position in which the noise will become increasingly uncomfortable if the wins do not start happening soon.