Aston Villa's recent struggles deepened as manager Unai Emery voiced his disappointment following a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Villa Park. The result marked Villa's sixth consecutive game without a win, with defensive errors and missed opportunities haunting the team throughout the match.
Match highlights and key moments
Crystal Palace struck first through Ismaïla Sarr, who broke through Villa's defence to find the back of the net. Ollie Watkins brought Villa level in the 36th minute, skilfully manoeuvring past Dean Henderson after receiving a well-timed pass from John McGinn.
Villa's chance to take control slipped away when Henderson denied Youri Tielemans from the penalty spot. Palace punished this miss as Justin Devenny scored his first professional goal before half-time, finishing a counter-attack started by Sarr.
Ross Barkley's 78th-minute header from Tielemans' corner earned Villa a point. In the final minutes, Emiliano Martínez proved crucial, producing a vital save to prevent Jeffrey Schlupp from securing a late Palace victory.
Defensive concerns mount
During his post-match interview, Emery acknowledged Villa's attacking prowess but expressed worry over their defensive performance. He said,
"We controlled the game and created numerous chances, but our mistakes are costing us dearly."
The Spanish manager specifically addressed the team's vulnerability during their own set pieces, a problem that surfaced in both the Liverpool and Palace matches. "Despite adding defensive coverage after the Liverpool game, we still fell victim to the same issue today," Emery noted.
The defensive line has felt the impact of missing Ezri Konsa through injury, while Tyrone Mings' fitness concerns continue to affect the team's defensive organisation. Emery emphasised,
"Our goals against column is growing, and we must find answers quickly."
Tough period ahead for Villa
Villa's immediate schedule presents significant challenges, with a Champions League fixture against Juventus followed by a Premier League clash with Chelsea. The current form stands in sharp contrast to their previous season's achievements, though Emery maintains optimism about his squad's potential recovery.
"Our focus remains on rebuilding consistency and confidence through dedicated work," Emery explained, outlining his strategy for improvement. He stressed the need to enhance both defensive stability and attacking efficiency while acknowledging their opponents' strengths.
The manager has committed to detailed analysis and specific training exercises to overcome the team's current difficulties. Villa's supporters, who witnessed their team's impressive home record last season, now wait hopefully for a return to winning form as they face crucial matches in both domestic and European competitions.