Aston Villa’s current league season has been their worst in 28 years, with their hopes of winning a domestic trophy already diminished following a disappointing Carabao Cup exit against Brentford in the third round.
The Villans managed to score their first league goal against Brentford, thanks to a weak shot from Harvey Elliott that slipped past the Bees’ goalkeeper. However, they struggled to find the back of the net again and eventually lost on penalties after Aaron Hickey converted a Brentford long throw.
This poor start to the season comes after a summer plagued by Profit and Sustainability rules, which hampered Villa’s transfer activity and preparation. Fans expressed their frustration at these rules during a draw against Newcastle United, where Villa had to sell Jacob Ramsey for £40m.
The uncertainty surrounding star goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s future further unsettled the team, with a potential move to Manchester United causing disruptions. Despite some promising signings, including Evann Guessand from OGC Nice, Villa’s squad has struggled to adapt due to the lack of time to settle.
However, with talented players like Ollie Watkins capable of turning their fortunes around, Villa still have the potential to qualify for Europe and compete for major honors under the guidance of manager Unai Emery. A solid performance against Sunderland is crucial for Villa to bounce back from their current slump.
