Aston Villa

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

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"Yes, we are satisfied. But we are demanding. The last two matches in the Premier League we drew, and there are four points we missed, and of course this is the distance the teams are in front…"

Delivered in his usual gracious manner last Sunday, we might call this quote classic Unai Emery, perfectly distilling the approach that has lifted Villa so far so quickly.

Taking pleasure in their achievements – they have already shown enough to suggest that they will compete for a high finish in the Premier League again, as well as being in the Champions League for much more than the air miles – but at the same time challenging his players to aim even higher.

Villa under Emery are proof that you can be relentlessly ambitious and have fun at the same time.

More widely, the spell between the September and October international breaks has also demonstrated to any fans still needing reassurance that they really are not dreaming all this. Five years after promotion, and – unbelievably – less than two years since Emery’s appointment, this is Villa's new reality.

But every well-run organisation is always scanning ahead to potential risks, and Emery will surely be taking careful note of the fitness of their squad during this break.

The most likely limiting factor to Villa’s potential this season is the persistent rhythm of injuries, taking key players away for a few weeks at a time. Happily, following Emi Buendia’s return, the other long-term injury victims of recent months, Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara, are also close to coming back. None of the recent problems have been on the same scale, but the loss of Ezri Konsa at the weekend added to the list of players who are missing time.

"We have some players injured," said Emery on Sunday. "And usually [we have] some fresh players available, maybe as a winger like [Jacob] Ramsey or [John] McGinn. We did a huge effort on Wednesday. Today we were more or less fit to do the same work, but in the second half maybe some fresh players could help us more."

Each successive transfer window will give Villa a chance to better equip themselves to handle these pressures. If this sounds like quibbling, it is in a way; but when you work to the standards and ambitions that Villa now set for themselves, you want to sweep away any potential obstacle to continued progress.

The evidence of the last two years suggests that they'll get it done.

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Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle United are all interested in Aston Villa's 23-year-old midfielder Jacob Ramsey. (Give Me Sport, external)

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

Former manager Mark Warburton talks to The Football News Show about how managers can deal with mental health struggles while working at a club and what support there is available to them.

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David Michael
Fan writer

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Aston Villa's recent Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich not only rekindled memories of their 1982 European Cup glory, but it also positioned them with a realistic chance of securing a top-eight finish in the new league phase, which would see them bypass the play-offs for the knockout rounds.

Such a finish would certainly take the confidence of Unai Emery's team to another level - and it should allow them to focus more on their Premier League campaign at a key point in the season.

The victory was bookended by two Premier League draws though, hinting that Villa have not quite broken out of third gear domestically this season.

While Emery acknowledged the fairness of those results, he did not hide his frustration with the performance at Ipswich, stating that he was "very, very angry" post-match.

On paper, Villa look stronger than last season. However, they have not quite found the fluidity they displayed in winning their first eight home games of the previous campaign.

Despite their point against Manchester United, which was an improvement from last season, they find themselves a couple of points down so far from corresponding fixtures, and a point shy of where they stood after seven league matches in 2023-24.

There is little cause for alarm though, with Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara closer to returning after getting minutes with the under-21s. The squad should only get stronger from here.

Additionally, Jhon Duran - the hero against Bayern - has signed an improved contract until 2030. There is no doubt he and his agent were trying to leverage a move in the summer to improve his wages, which were likely at the lower end of the spectrum in this Villa squad.

Now that he is fully committed, Duran should only elevate his game further.

With key players returning and the prospect of Duran hitting his stride, Villa will hopefully shift through the gears, ensuring they do not have to compromise either domestically or in Europe.

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We asked for your views on Jhon Duran signing a new deal to extend his stay at Villa Park and what Unai Emery's future plans could be for the striker.

Here are some of your comments:

Cassie: Duran is a young player with very good ability. Emery is slowly introducing him to the starting XI, which is the correct course to take. When he is ready, Emery will know and he will unleash Duran. I think he is going to be one of the best strikers, not only in England but also in Europe. He has the strength, pace and confidence to be a world-class player, so let's not rush him.

Molly: Obviously this isn't just about rewarding Duran for his recent form, it is also about protecting Villa's interests in the event of any unwanted offers. This new contract has probably increased his book value to about £100m. Duran is far from the finished article; he lacks the finesse of Ollie Watkins. That is the problem: how does he displace Ollie?

Andy: Duran likes running at players, so I think he could be our new number 10, sitting behind Watkins. I feel he is our next John Carew. I'm so happy he has signed a six-year contract.

Dean: 'Captain Chaos' is a fantastic addition to our long-term future. Against Bayern Munich, he was like a coiled spring waiting to explode - and boy did he! I'm looking forward to seeing him become a big part of this group in the next few seasons. Pace, power and ability are all there - he just needs to show them consistently.

Chrissy: He should be starting and he should be given the chance to make an impact early on. Plus, if he is starting in this team, it should shake up Watkins and make him up his own game. That competition to be first pick must be allowed to have life, obviously to benefit the team and the fans.

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A VAR related question was put to chief football writer Phil McNulty on Monday's Q&A.

@nubiblue on 'X' asked: Is the new improved VAR working? To me it continues to favour certain clubs.

Phil answered: First of all, I don't believe VAR favours certain clubs and quite honestly, I've not noticed too much difference or huge improvement.

Maybe a little less interference but I confess I lost a lot of faith in VAR after initially being a strong advocate.

I would be happy with semi-automated offside and line technology.

What can be better than watching your team win a huge European fixture?

Perhaps going home with a match-worn shirt from one of the stars of the show?

That's what Ethan Roberts was lucky enough to enjoy after Aston Villa's win over Bayern Munich.

Ethan and his dad Nathan spoke to BBC Radio WM and you can hear the clip below.

You can listen to more from the phone-in here and tune in weeknights between 1800 and 1900.

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A Liverpool related question was put to chief footballer writer Phil McNulty in Monday's Q&A.

Chris asked: Aston Villa fans constantly sing that goalkeeper Emi Martinez is “the world’s number one”. Do you reckon he is?

Phil answered: Here’s a loaded question. Simple answer – no I don’t. I think Martinez is an outstanding goalkeeper and who can argue with Villa fans believing he is the best given his form for them and the fact he was vital to Argentina winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022?

Going back even further, I still remember his brilliant performance when Arsenal beat Chelsea to win the FA Cup in 2020. I was actually surprised they sold him to Villa. In my opinion, Liverpool’s Alisson Becker is “the world’s number one”. He has been so vital to Liverpool’s success and a game-changer since his arrival in 2018. He is remarkably consistent, relatively understated – although he would wish to avoid the injuries that have troubled him in the last couple of seasons. I think Martinez is a superb keeper, but I would place Alisson Becker ahead of him. Just.

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So, this season's super sub supreme Jhon Duran has signed a new deal with Aston Villa.

Despite being linked with a move away over the summer - with West Ham and Chelsea reportedly among the clubs interested - the Colombia international is here to stay at Villa Park.

Speaking before the new deal was announced, former West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast: "Jhon Duran is in a perfect place right now, playing Champions League football for one of the top four teams in England.

"He's not happy coming on as a substitute because he probably wants to start.

"Unai Emery probably doesn't feel he has the impact to start the game - which is fine - but I would say play your role for the entire season, see how the season goes and then you might have to speak to Unai Emery to say: 'Look, I want first-team football.'

"Next year is when he should be working to start."

What do you think of the new deal, Villa fans? And where and when does Duran fit into Emery's starting XI?

Let us know here, external

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Aston Villa in-form striker Jhon Duran has signed a new contract with the club, extending his stay at Villa Park until 2030.

The 20-year-old has already scored six goals this season, including the only goal in the huge win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Duran has secured the 'super sub' title in Unai Emery's side, having come on to score the winner in three Premier League matches already this season.

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Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Jhon Duran needs to be patient this season and "ride the wave" of being a 'super substitute'.

The Aston Villa forward has scored four goals in seven Premier League matches from the bench this season and also netted the deciding goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.

"I guarantee he wants to start games but Unai Emery does not feel he has enough impact to start the game," said Reo-Coker on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"He might not be happy coming on as a substitute. That is fine, but I would tell him to play his role until the end of the season. That is then when you can speak to the manager and say you want first-team football.

"Next season is when he should be looking to regularly start because what Morgan Rogers does with Ollie Watkins cannot be replicated with Duran as his style is different.

"He just needs to ride the wave and enjoy it because people are paying attention to him.

"It is about patience."

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Manchester United

Here are some of your comments:

Villa fans

Ron: Both teams were tired. United defence played above their usual ineptitude. The quality of play was poor throughout, but Barkley was composed and Evans was worth MOTM. Rashford should have been sent off. That's two poor Premier League performances on the bounce. Is being in Europe too much for the squad? So happy to have Emery as manager. He'll sort matters.

John: Being disappointed with a 0-0 draw against United, a bogey team for us, shows what Emery and the players have achieved.

Chrissy: Three points lost. Disjointed performance all round. Missing some sparkle in midfield. Others not stepping up when given the chance. Hurry up Kamara and hopefully Konsa injury not too bad. Emery will sort it out, I’m sure.

Jonny: We gave the ball away way too easily in their final third. Rogers' worst game so far unfortunately, as he can be so good. Big comedown after beating Bayern Munich. Too many injuries already, but it's nice to see Cash back.

United fans

Henry; I’m sorry but a draw is not enough. We need to be turning performances into points. We’re going in the right direction, we just need a consistent winning streak now, which starts against Brentford. Onana and Evans were outstanding. Great defensive display. Forget the fact that we're 14th and carry on.

Margaret: The excuse is always that Ten Hag needs more time, but I am sure his time is about up. That excuse is wearing a bit thin. Very disappointed again.

Kev: A 36 -year-old Evans is our best performer and ETH is still wasting minutes on Rashford and Fernandes, who are just not at it at all. He is rotating to the point players have no chance of creating a partnership, let alone a team. But we didn't lose so what do I know?

Ian: Ten Hag went with his most experienced defence and trusted in them to hold out. Still no goal threat - we do not look like scoring. He has no charisma and his teams play like his personality - very dull and uninspiring.

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Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Manchester United's goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday "was a difficult game for both teams" after playing in Europe in midweek.

"Both teams were over-tactical in their approach but I was a bit more disappointed in Villa," Reo-Coker told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "Both were scared to press and both sides sat deep.

"The basic minimum of passing, from two sides of that quality, was not there and I was just hoping for a Jhon Duran moment of quality off the bench. But that never happened.

"Both sides will be disappointed, but Villa will just be happy they didn't lose. It's another point and they are still up there high in the Premier League.

"United can take a lot of confidence from the draw but there are still a lot of unanswered questions around the players and Erik ten Hag."

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Highlights and analysis from Sunday's three Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Manchester City 3-2 Fulham

• Everton 0-0 Newcastle United

• Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester United

• Brighton 3-2 Tottenham

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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There may have been a sense of flatness about Aston Villa’s performance against Manchester United but it can’t have come as a surprise to manager Unai Emery.

Wednesday’s win over Bayern Munich will go down as one of the club’s greatest victories.

The physical and emotional energy expended to get it was huge.

So even though they were at home again, against a side who played in Portugal on Thursday and under pressure after a series of bad results, getting to the highest level again was always going to be tough.

Villa finished the game well and in the end came closest to winning it.

But the main point is Villa did not lose. That is a major positive at a historically big club trying to get used to playing in the biggest games once more.

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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to BBC Match of the Day: "It is not the best result but it's not the worst. I think a draw is fair. We played the second half much better than the first and at the end we were close to winning the match. We had two chances at the end of the game, we tried to score but couldn't. I think a draw is fair.

"Maybe today we needed some refreshed players. And we have some players injured. But the players we have they respond really well. We will need the players helping. We prepared this match trying to win, we didn't do it but we have to be overall happy with this month, how we are in the table and what we are trying to build."

On Ezri Konsa's injury: "I don't know, hopefully it's not a lot. Hopefully he can rest in the international break.

"We can have some days off [in the international break] we can recover our energy and try to push in the next month.

"We are being demanding and competing very well. We are happy in the Champions League, and happy of course in the Carabao Cup. We're going to play seven matches in the next month. We have to stay competitive like we are now and being demanding."