Aston Villa Results ‘Not Enough’, Admits Emery: What Must Change Before Barcelona?

Aston Villa Results ‘Not Enough’, Admits Emery: What Must Change Before Barcelona? Aston Villa’s unbeaten Champions League run has offered Unai Emery much to admire, yet their domestic performances tell a less convincing story. Villa sit ninth in the Premier League with three wins, three draws and three defeats from nine matches, while three European victories have lifted them to second in the league-phase table. The contrast became harder to ignore after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham . Villa started with control, but Fulham took charge after the interval, created chances and found an equaliser. Emery felt his side could have won, although he accepted that a point reflected the contest. Speaking after the match, as reported by Sky Sports , he admitted Villa’s underlying numbers remain below his expectations. Aston Villa boss Unai Emery: “We still have work to do. The last five (league) matches, we won three matches and we drew two matches. I think it’ not bad but with our poor stats, it is not enough. “This draw is a disappointing result but a fair result. I think they deserved it as well, this draw. “It was tough for us in the second half, more than the first half. “Second half, we knew we should try to play in the same way as in the first half, but they dominated more in the second half, they created chances and they scored a goal. “We created some chances and we could have even won the match, but I think it was a fair result. “We need to keep going forward and change quick our mind before the next match on Tuesday in the Champions League against Barcelona, and then we are going to prepare the next match before the break which is Manchester United away, so we keep going forward.” Those concerns are extra significant with Barcelona next on Tuesday. Villa have little time to address their second-half problems before facing a side capable of punishing lapses in possession and defensive organisation. After the Champions League fixture, Emery’s players travel to Manchester United ahead of the international break. Villa’s European record deserves respect, particularly after the 6-0 win over Fenerbahçe. However, their domestic struggles suggest that the intensity they produce in Europe has not carried consistently into league matches. Barcelona cannot assume Villa will repeat their performance against Fulham, but the second-half drop-off offers a potential weakness to target. Hansi Flick’s side can press Villa’s first pass, move the ball quickly across midfield and force Emery’s players to defend for longer spells. Pedri and Fermin could find spaces between Villa’s midfield and defence, while Barcelona’s forwards can attack the gaps left when Villa lose possession. Can Aston Villa recover from their second-half weakness? BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, looks on before the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between AFC Bournemouth and Aston Villa at Vitality Stadium on October 28, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) Barcelona have a route to trouble Villa, but cannot assume Emery’s side will collapse. Nicolas Jackson has scored seven goals, and Villa’s three European wins show they can handle demanding opponents. The key will be sustaining pressure without leaving space for Jackson. If Barcelona commit too many players forward, Villa can turn possession into a quick transition. Flick should ask his midfield to control the ball while keeping enough cover behind it. Emery could respond by protecting the central areas, asking his midfielders to manage possession more carefully and avoiding unnecessary risks during the build-up. His comments give Barcelona a warning, but also an opportunity. Villa know their second-half standards must improve and will expect a response at home. For the visitors, the challenge is to expose that weakness from the opening stages rather than wait for Villa to lose control again.