Unai Emery

[Beard82]

It would be disappointing on the one hand, on the other considering we had a spell where defenders were getting nobbled quicker than a Spinal Tap drummer then it's not a disaster. We've come a massive way in a short time, and there will be setbacks at times. Imagine saying 3 years ago we'd be moaning about 7th, a CL QF and FAC SF.

The real test is what we do the last 4 games and in the summer. Adversity happens, it's how clubs respond to it that separates winners and also-rans.

I agree with this - its easy to forget the injuries we had at points - and how competive we've been on so many fronts.  Whilst it feels like an opportunity missed - only time will tell if this season was an important consolidation in our growth, veruses another false dawn.

I think the fact missing out on UCL will mean that Rashford and Marco are a No.  I would also expect some high profit players to leave which coudl be:
- Ollie, Ramsay, Emi, Youri -  if someone is happy to pay big money we may have to cash in (personally would hate to see any of these 4 go)
- Bailey, Cash, Torres - probably reached there ceilings and cashing in woudlnt hurt
- Rogers, Konsa - crazy money may give us no choice
- Malen / Onana - get the impression that Unai just doesnt fancy them so they might be moved on if offers come

Dont see Uani going anywhere - think he still see's Villa as the best place to build his dynasty and will look on it as a frustrating season - where we were maybe 10% off where he wanted us to be.  But not a bad season, and hell still feel he has something to prove in the PL

If you look at our closest peer - Newcastle - we did better on all fronts then they did last season and I would expect us to get UCL next season and be competive in all the cups.

[London Villan]

The last 6 weeks of this season were era defining, we’ve well and truly buggered it up.

Without CL football this squad breaks up and we start again.

[Beard82]

I dont see a break up - loans go back - which I can live with - and maybe 1 or 2 players I would rather not sell, but think its managable.

[villa for life]

Have Emery’s other teams tended to have leaky defences? Some managers just have a weakness in that area. That’s ok. Just bring in a defence oriented assistant /coach to work with you. No shame in that.

[olaftab]

Unai why did you think it was good idea to play Watkins on his own against 3 centre backs? And why have you learnt fuck all from our 3 previous games against them this season. Unai Newcastle and Man city put five past them in the last week or so.

[PaulWinch again]

Have Emery’s other teams tended to have leaky defences? Some managers just have a weakness in that area. That’s ok. Just bring in a defence oriented assistant /coach to work with you. No shame in that.

No but they haven’t been as dynamic in an attacking sense either. I think we’re at our best when we embrace that attacking identity. In some of these big games away from home it’s like he reverts a bit, but our team can’t function like his previous ones.

[London Villan]

Of our key players:

Emi
Kamara
Watkins

All off i would have thought.

[Beard82]

Of our key players:

Emi
Kamara
Watkins

All off i would have thought.

Dont see that.  Watkins maybe.   Why sell Emi, GK dont sell for large fees and where does he go?  Kamara - dont think we sell him under any circumstance - there maybe spectulation but think thats just to get his contract done.

[Brazilian Villain]

Of our key players:

Emi
Kamara
Watkins

All off i would have thought.

Dont see that.  Watkins maybe.   

Same here. I think a few posters are a bit 'tired and emotional' this evening.

[London Villan]

I hope I’m wrong.

[AV82EC]

Of our key players:

Emi
Kamara
Watkins

All off i would have thought.

Dont see that.  Watkins maybe.   

Same here. I think a few posters are a bit 'tired and emotional' this evening.

It’s been a tiring and emotional day and an all around shitshow. But you’re right the above suggestion is utterly bonkers.

[Flamingo Lane]

Some things I don't understand.  Why we have learned nothing from previous games v Palace. Why Torres over Mings. Why he has persisted in playing Rogers for virtually every minute, game upon game, when the bloke is quite clearly worn out.  Why Onana got zero minutes today.

[LeeB]

Of our key players:

Emi
Kamara
Watkins

All off i would have thought.

Dont see that.  Watkins maybe.   

Same here. I think a few posters are a bit 'tired and emotional' this evening.

It’s been a tiring and emotional day and an all around shitshow. But you’re right the above suggestion is utterly bonkers.

It's crazy yes, get fucking Torres out the door first.

[FatSam]

Isn't that our 4th loss of the season vs palace? Or was it our 3rd?

3rd loss and a draw in the league at home.

4th loss this calendar year, with the other game drawn. Scored 4 and conceded 15 in those 5 games.

Calendar year is 2025 or 2024, just call it fourth loss in less then 350 days. (I think that works out).

Yes, that makes more sense. What you said!

[DB]

Some things I don't understand.  Why we have learned nothing from previous games v Palace. Why Torres over Mings. Why he has persisted in playing Rogers for virtually every minute, game upon game, when the bloke is quite clearly worn out.  Why Onana got zero minutes today.

He does have a blind spot when it comes to Palace.
But generally, we are so much worse when teams sit back, we are not effective and slow…but today we were also just awful