At this point it would be fair for Aston Villa fans to question if anything can go right this season. While it is nice that Unai Emery's side was able to pick up a point as the visitors, yet another development working against the club transpired against Everton.
Youri Tielemans was withdrawn from the match at halftime. The Belgium international picked up a calf injury. To this point, it is unclear as to the extent of this setback. It is safe to say, though, that this could not have come out at a worse time for Villa.
This is a midfield that is already missing Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara. The two midfielders are dealing with their own injuries. There has been promising news, however, of their imminent return.
Ross Barkley would also be an option, but he is dealing with personal issues as described by the Villa boss.
This led Emery to using the combination of John McGinn and Lamare Bogarde in the defensive midfield roles. Evann Guessand entered the match directly for Tielemans, but he was used in a more advanced role.
While there are some who are understandably frustrated as to how the season has started for Villa, Emery has been forced to deal with certain circumstances well beyond his control.
Potential way forward for Aston Villa
With that in mind, it is quite possible that supporters saw a glimpse of what is to come in the event that Tielemans is forced to miss some games moving forward. In the event of Onana and Kamara also not being quite able to make their return, the way that Villa finish the match could very well end up being how they line up against Brentford.
Even with the attack not being where it needs to be, the team was able to hold its shape and did a good job of limiting someone in Jack Grealish, who has looked to be back to his older self since arriving at Everton.
This has been a testing summer for Emery and Villa. Now there is an additional significant set of adversity for the club to handle.