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Unai Emery sent clear Aston Villa verdict as West Ham draw outlined familiar 'problem'

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery stands on the touchline.
-Credit:Nick Potts/PA Wire


Birmingham Live readers have been sharing their thoughts on Aston Villa's recent game against West Ham United at Villa Park, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The result extends Villa's unbeaten home streak in the Premier League to 11 games, but that was not an ideal eventuality when the final whistle sounded.

Jacob Ramsey netted for Villa in the eighth minute, with an assist coming from Ollie Watkins. Watkins achieved a milestone of being involved in 100 goals, in the fewest Premier League matches since Manchester City playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne, accomplished the same feat.

However, Tyrone Mings' knee injury - which led to his substitution and a defensive reshuffle - cast a shadow over the draw. Villa took the lead in the eighth minute when Ramsey played a one-two with Watkins before powering past Vladimir Coufal and slotting the ball into the far corner.

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After assisting Ramsey's goal, Watkins reached 100 goal involvements in the fewest Premier League games (169), except for record-holder De Bruyne, who reached that milestone in 155 matches in July 2020. Several fans shared their opinions on the match and Villa's performance.

MikeyVillan commented: "To be fair [Matty], Cash had about three players to cover at the back - he should have been helped by the midfielders which includes [Donyell] Malen who was totally inactive although not too far away to get involved. I don't get this piling on Cash who isn't that bad - he isn't the best RB, but there's probably only about four or five you'd swap him for in the Premier League. Players make mistakes - we should be supporting our lads and not criticising them unjustifiably."

Oxonvilla expressed frustration at the team's performance, adding: "We have some talented players who, for whatever reason, make poor decisions on the pitch. Countless times we gave the ball away, countless times we played the wrong pass. Has spontaneity been coached out of them? What happened to playing what's in front of them?"

1956harry suggested a change in tactical strategy, stating: "Should have brought [Lamare] Bogarde on for Mings. [Unai] Emery has to get the squad back to keeping clean sheets. Why do we have a set piece coach? Our corners, and free-kicks are a joke - and they never look like producing a goal."

What do think can be done to help Aston Villa in their upcoming games? Join in the conversation in the comments below or HERE.