Aston Villa's Form Slump Sparks Selection Dilemma for Emery
Aston Villa have managed just one victory in their last four Premier League outings, a concerning trend that saw them salvage a late point against Leeds United last Saturday. This run, yielding only four points from possible twelve against Everton, Brentford, Brighton, and Leeds, highlights a clear underperformance despite some strong away results earlier in the season.
Wolves Clash Crucial for Champions League Ambitions
With five of their previous six matches played at home, Villa now face a short trip to Molineux to take on Wolves on Friday night. Although Wolves have improved under Rob Edwards, this remains a fixture Villa must win to maintain their advantage over rivals like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification.
Both results and performances need immediate enhancement, though a drop in level was somewhat expected due to the absences of key players Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans. Douglas Luiz has been a consistent starter, while Amadou Onana has solidified his place in Kamara's absence, but fresh impetus is required.
Bench Players Make Their Case for Starting Roles
Ross Barkley delivered an impressive cameo off the bench against Leeds, helping Villa regain control and sustain pressure in the final thirty minutes. His performance has certainly put him in contention for a starting spot against Wolves.
Similarly, Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, posed significant problems for Leeds, offering more threat than Leon Bailey despite Bailey's longer time on the pitch. Both Barkley and Sancho are now figuratively knocking on Unai Emery's door for inclusion in the starting lineup.
Tammy Abraham's Impact and Goal-Scoring Instinct
The major selection headache revolves around striker Tammy Abraham, who has scored in consecutive games against Newcastle and Leeds. Returning to Villa Park in excellent form, the £18 million signing already looks like a shrewd acquisition.
Scoring goals is often described as the hardest task in football, but Abraham makes it appear effortless. His late equalizer against Leeds, bundled past Karl Darlow in the 88th minute, showcased not just luck but instinct—the ability to anticipate opportunities and convert them decisively, even with his knee.
Premier League legend Wayne Rooney praised the goal on BBC Match of the Day, noting Abraham's anticipation and clever movement to evade defenders. Rooney highlighted the quality of the finish, emphasizing how Abraham's step across the defender created the space needed to score, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin's leap unable to prevent the goal.
As Villa prepare for a critical match against Wolves, Emery faces tough decisions to revitalize his team and secure vital points in their Champions League pursuit.
