Aston Villa have slipped into a familiar early-season rut. Four Premier League games have yielded one point and a 1:7 goal difference, leaving them 19th. You can track fixtures, form, and live Sofascore Ratings on the Aston Villa team page on Sofascore.

A slow start, again

The pattern mirrors last season, only worse. In 2025/26, Villa took three points from five games with a 1:5 goal difference, sitting 18th. Now it is one point from four and a 1:7 return, which says plenty. The attack is quiet, and the defense is paying for every lapse.

Unai Emery’s side once turned slow starts into spring surges, but this version lacks early control. There is less composure in buildup and fewer clean passages into the final third. The team’s off-ball spacing invites pressure and exposes the back line. Confidence drops fast when the first goal tends to go against you.

Unai Emery’s early-season puzzle

Emery’s principles are clear, but the execution is hesitating. The tempo in midfield is a touch slow, so opponents reset easily. Wide rotations have been tidy without creating enough threat behind the fullbacks. When Villa lose the ball, the counter-press lacks bite.

That delay stretches the center backs and leaves the holding midfielder isolated. The distances between the lines look too generous, especially after turnovers. Emery may need a more conservative rest-defense until rhythm returns. A simpler plan can protect the box while confidence rebuilds.

Where the goals are leaking

Seven conceded in four matches tells its own story. Villa are getting punished in transition and on second balls. The first duels are sometimes won, but the loose ball falls to the opponent. Small details in set-piece marking have also been costly.

The box is not being defended with enough aggression when crosses arrive. Clearances are not exiting the danger zone, inviting repeat shots. Fullbacks are caught high when possession turns over. The chain reaction leaves gaps that good Premier League teams exploit.