Aston Villa

Marissa Thomas
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

There are few certainties in life but Aston Villa's failure to win after playing in the Champions League is becoming one of them.

Unai Emery's side have been unable to get three points in a league game straight after a match in Europe's top-tier competition on seven occasions this season - three home draws and four away defeats.

Villa finished eighth in the league phase of the Champions League after beating Celtic 4-2, and will be relieved to avoid two extra play-off games as a result.

The defeat means Villa remain eighth in the Premier League table.

They have to become more consistent if they want to return to European competition next season, especially when the likes of Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Bournemouth are above them and having brilliant seasons.

Emery's displeasure was clear at half-time as he made four substitutions with Donyell Malen the most impactful.

The Dutch international almost made a swift impact after he was introduced, but his first Villa goal was ruled out for offside in a frustrating evening for Villa.

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Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to BBC Sport: "I was frustrated, there's still work to do. The frustration is with the ambition we have. We are not Manchester City - the team strong in everything. We are increasing our level, our demand but we don't have the power they have. We have to do it intelligently.

"To get Europe two years in a row and be in the last 16 this year is fantastic. To be consistent in the Premier League has been more difficult for us.

"We competed today at the beginning, trying to get this challenge. The first half was really bad. We started well but didn't control the game. We needed it [changes], some fresh legs and the tactical change with Bailey going wide. The second half we were better. We created two or three chances to score. I think we deserved to lose."

On Ollie Watkins' injury: "He has a little bit [of something]. He felt some pain but hopefully not a lot. We will test him tomorrow."

On whether there will be any new signings coming in: "We need some more players. We need to replace some players who left. Tomorrow and Monday are the last two days. I think we will get some players to help us because we are in the Champions League last 16. We have to try to get points in the Premier League to be top eight, seven, six, five."

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Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has been speaking to Sky Sports following the defeat: "We just weren't good enough today, simple as that. Second half, we performed better but we didn't have enough. We can make excuses about being fatigued but, if we want to play in the Champions League, we have to be prepared to play this much.

"This season away from home, we have conceded early quite a lot and it is something we have to work on. The second half was better, but it wasn't enough. We put pressure on but I don't think we troubled their back four or goalkeeper enough. We have to improve and we have to do it now."

On Donyell Malen's goal being ruled out: "I thought it was a normal goal. It is gone now and there is nothing we can do."

On building for the future: "I think we have to stop conceding goals. I feel like we are conceding every game and me, being in the backline, I have to go back, look on it and change it."

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Aston Villa have lost six of their last eight Premier League away games (W1 D1). No other side has lost more often on the road than the Villans since the start of November (6 times, the same as Leicester City).

Unai Emery's side have failed to scored in six of their 24 Premier League games this season, as many times as in the whole of their 2023-24 campaign.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Wolves' performance

What did you make of Aston Villa's display?

Come back to this page on Sunday to find a selection of your replies

Six matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Nottingham Forest v Brighton (12:30)

• AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Everton v Leicester City

• Ipswich Town v Southampton

• Newcastle v Fulham

• Wolves v Aston Villa (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here.

I would be so disappointed if Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran moves to Saudi Arabia.

Duran is 21, and coming into his prime. He could go there and earn all the money in the world but he would be leaving the best league there is, just as he has started making a splash in it.

It is his prerogative but, as a career move, I think it's the wrong one.

This situation, with Arsenal making an offer for Ollie Watkins too, must be very annoying for Villa boss Unai Emery.

He has worked hard to get the club into the Champions League, and with two good strikers he can rotate them. It has worked really well, but seemingly won't be an option for much longer.

Villa have other problems too. They are short of options at centre-half and Emery had to play a midfielder, Boubacar Kamara, there against Celtic on Wednesday night.

There are some things to be positive about, however. Morgan Rogers was absolutely superb against Celtic and is an exciting talent.

But while Villa have got goals in them, I am just not sure they will keep Wolves out.

Villa have not won any of their past six games straight after a Champions League tie, and I don't see this week being any different.

Wolves are on a horrible run of four successive league defeats, with 10 goals conceded and just one scored, so even a draw would be a boost for Vitor Pereira's side.

Pereira must also be worried about losing his main goalscorer, Matheus Cunha, before the transfer window shuts on Monday. I am not sure whether Cunha will stay, but I think Wolves will get a point here.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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We asked for your views on Aston Villa's attacking options given Jhon Duran has moved to Al-Nassr and the club are now linked with Marcus Rashford.

Here are some of your replies:

Gary: Not sure Saudi is the right move at Duran's age. Turning his back on Champions League. Good move for Villa if they invest wisely.

Rob: Duran clearly didn't want to play for us, while we were unable to move Ollie to the bench more often. The club have done well in getting an excellent profit on his investment. Now use the money wisely to get a world class striker, as Ollie needs to be more clinical in his finishing.

Richard: There is better value perhaps in signing Cunha and Felix over taking Rashford on loan with his high salary (unless Man Utd subsidise).

Kev: Joao Felix would be perfect.

Ivan: Olly is getting back to scoring goals for us and should be in the England squad. Rashford is looking for game time to get himself back in form and also to be considered by Tuchel. He won't get the opportunity to regular play at Villa so I doubt he'll come. Best wishes to Duran.

Steve: Good business on the Duran deal, he was a disruptive character and Watkins will be better for it without him around. Rashford wouldn't come the Villa and to be honest I wouldn't want him.

Nigel: Yes, Rashford would be a good deal for Villa on loan for four months covering wages or part of. Unai would sort him. Rashford needs a new leader.

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Aston Villa have sold Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, with a potential £71m incoming.

The club are interested in a loan move for Marcus Rashford.

There's plenty happening.

Tell us what you think here

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Newcastle and Aston Villa have both been fined for their actions in their Premier League fixture at St James' Park on 26th December 2024.

A statement from the FA reads: "It was alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the tunnel area at half time.

"It was also alleged that the Aston Villa analyst and Newcastle United assistant manager acted in an improper manner during the same incident. Both clubs and Victor Manas admitted to their respective charges, and Jason Tindall denied the allegation against him.

"The Regulatory Commission imposed a £30,000 fine and warning upon Aston Villa, a £20,000 fine and warning upon Newcastle United, and a two-match ground ban and £4,000 fine on Victor Manas. The Regulatory Commission found the charge against Jason Tindall to be not proven, and he will face no further action."

Tasnim Chowdhury
BBC Sport journalist

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Wolves (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Ollie Watkins has told Emery that he is "happy to stay" after Villa rejected Arsenal's approach for the 29-year-old: "We asked him how he is feeling being with Villa and he is happy here."

• Emery said that Watkins' commitment to the club has been "huge": "He appreciates Aston Villa have always supported him, helped him and tried to get the best of him. Now we need him - like he needed Aston Villa."

• More on Watkins: "I speak with him a lot. He is always adapting to every circumstance we have in the squad and with him individually. When teams are interested in our players, of course it is very good for us and very good for the players. Some prefer to leave and some players accept to stay here, to be here and commit with us here and to be with our challenge. One of those is Ollie Watkins."

• On the impact of the transfer window on Villa: "Of course we are changing the squad because we need to improve at everything – individually and collectively. We will miss some players in the squad because we did not change Diego Carlos or [Emi] Buendia. We have the last player leaving - it's not official - but it's Jhon Duran. The players we have are trying and showing their commitment."

• Matty Cash will not be available to play at Wolves, with Emery confirming he will be out for "three to four weeks". Tyrone Mings has also a "small injury" and "will need some days more to be ready to play".

• On whether his side are at a disadvantage on Saturday given their Champions League exploits: "For a long time I have played in Europe and I know how to prepare each match as best as possible - resting, [eating] good food and preparing with work on the field and in meetings. The idea is to accept, adapt, be intelligent and have strong players consistently playing. And to have our subs ready to play at the level we have."

• On the challenge posed by Wolves: "The challenge is to compete - we have to dominate. They are the values we are trying to set with the players we have."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Full commentary of Wolves v Aston Villa on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 17:25 GMT on Saturday

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The Champions League knockout phase play-off draw is complete.

Aston Villa now know they will play either the winners of Club Brugge v Atalanta or Sporting v Borussia Dortmund in the last 16, as they look to take another step closer to the final.

The play-off first legs will take place on 11 and 12 February, with the second legs on 18 and 19 February.

The Villains will then find out their last-16 opponents - and their route to the final - in the next Champions League draw on Friday, 21 February.

See the full draw here

Aston Villa fan Richard Sutherland recognises the club's progression into the last 16 of the Champions League will have "a number of benefits" - from easing profit and sustainability concerns and having more freedom in the transfer market to giving the opportunity to rest the players.

Unai Emery's side could face either Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Sporting or Club Brugge in the next stage of the competition, with the draw taking place on Friday, 31 January at 11:00 GMT.

"They are all going to be very tough games, but it gives us a real chance to progress in the competition," added Richard.

Find more from Richard Sutherland at The Villa Park Podcast, external

Paris St-Germain forward Marco Asensio is one of a number of attacking players Aston Villa are interested in signing before the transfer window closes. (Mail), external

Villa are also considering a bid for 25-year-old Wolves striker Matheus Cunha. (Guardian), external

Chelsea and Portugal midfielder Joao Felix is another target for Aston Villa boss Unai Emery. (Express), external

Finally, Ollie Watkins would be open to joining Arsenal this month, but Villa are determined to keep the 29-year-old. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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