Aston Villa hit 4-1 by Chelsea as issues mount for Emery
Pau Torres has fallen out of favour under Unai Emery after injuries and form, starting once in five league games. With reinforcements likely, a summer exit is mooted despite a deal to 2028.
Ian Maatsen endured a torrid night in the 4-1 loss to Chelsea, rated 5.8 with 0% crossing accuracy and poor duels. Calls grow for Unai Emery to restore Lucas Digne at left-back for league and Europe.
Lucas Digne details Emery’s meticulous methods, four hours of weekly video and instructions to ‘only cross when necessary’, reshaping his passing and positioning since 2022 as he extends to 2028.
Villa have failed to score 2+ in seven games and sit on 39 league goals. A major flaw is just four headed goals, with 22% crossing accuracy. Emery must improve aerial threat from Watkins and Abraham.
Douglas Luiz scored early but Chelsea hit back to win 4-1, with Joao Pedro netting a hat-trick and assisting Cole Palmer. Villa had pursued Pedro last summer, heightening regret amid Watkins’ struggles.
Andreas Weimann picks Christian Benteke for his dream team, calling him ‘incredible’ after the striker’s 2012-2013 haul and their partnership with Gabriel Agbonlahor at Aston Villa.
Douglas Luiz has rediscovered form back at Villa, scoring v Chelsea. Juventus want Villa to trigger the €25m option to buy in June, with his future dependent on factors like Champions League qualification.
Tammy Abraham wins February 2026 award after scoring vs Newcastle in the FA Cup and a late equaliser against Leeds, featuring in all six games since his return. He took 32% of fans’ vote.
Villa are monitoring Como’s 21-year-old centre-back Jacobo Ramon, with Real Madrid buy-back interest. He could challenge Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa after recent defensive woes, including the 4-1 Chelsea loss.
After a 4-1 Chelsea defeat, Villa see Donyell Malen named Serie A POTM for Roma and Evann Guessand win Crystal Palace’s POTM, piling scrutiny on Emery’s January exits as top-four pressure mounts.
