"Villa have been slow out of the blocks and this is unusual territory for Unai Emery, who has spent the best part of three years almost exclusively exceeding all expectations, elevating a team who were near the bottom of the Premier League into one capable of bloodying the noses of European superpowers in the Champions League. But a sticky start, four Premier League matches without a victory or goal they are the only team in the professional pyramid to carry"
"Villa headed into the summer knowing incomings would be limited owing to the financial picture and they sold Jacob Ramsey, a homegrown and well-regarded player, plus some on the fringes, to help balance the books. But uncertainty lingered around key players until the September transfer deadline, none more so than their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who had been keen to move. The additions of Harvey Elliott, who will join permanently next summer, Jadon Sancho and Victor Lindelof belatedly provided a much-needed boost."
Unai Emery's Aston Villa have started the campaign slowly, enduring four Premier League matches without a goal or victory and an early Carabao Cup exit. Financial constraints limited summer incomings, prompting the sale of Jacob Ramsey and fringe players to balance the books. Protracted uncertainty over key players, notably goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, affected preparations until the September transfer deadline. The late arrivals of Harvey Elliott (on a future permanent deal), Jadon Sancho and Victor Lindelof provided a belated boost. The club's recent form contrasts with progression to last season's Champions League quarter-finals under new ownership.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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