Aston Villa is experiencing a difficult start to the 2026-27 season, failing to secure a win or score a goal in their opening three Premier League matches. This mirrors their performance at the beginning of the previous season and comes as the club navigates significant challenges, including key player absences and restrictive UEFA financial regulations. Manager Unai Emery has expressed frustration with player preparedness, drawing parallels to instances of delayed substitutions.
Player Availability and Squad Choices
The team's sole goalscorer this season, 17-year-old Brian Madjo, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, with hopes for his return after the upcoming international break. Despite Madjo's potential availability for seven more European games, striker Tammy Abraham has been included in the Champions League squad ahead of him. Abraham, who joined Villa in January 2025, has been the subject of transfer speculation, though Emery has recently emphasized his importance to the squad. The decision to omit Madjo from the European squad, especially if his injury is minor, has been described as curious given his previous performance against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.
Several new signings are also facing integration challenges. Record signing Johan Manzambi is managing a knee issue, requiring careful handling by Emery. Leon Goretzka, who arrived on a free transfer on August 27, has yet to feature in a matchday squad. Alejandro Garnacho has seen limited competitive minutes, and Matteo Ruggeri and Ibrahim Mbaye may see more action after the international break, alongside Joao Gomes, who is currently serving a suspension following his red card on the season's opening weekend. Only goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, midfielder Gomes, and Nicolas Jackson have immediately entered the starting lineup among the new arrivals.
Squad Decisions and UEFA Regulations
The omission of £30 million signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis from the European squad has also raised questions. Emery cited a preference for versatility, including Lamare Bogarde who can play at center-back, and mentioned Boubacar Kamara as a potential option in that position. This decision could leave Harwood-Bellis feeling like a fourth-choice center-back, with the manager potentially favoring midfielders in that role if necessary. This echoes a past decision where Donyell Malen was excluded from a European squad after high-profile loan signings were made.
Aston Villa's exclusion of Harwood-Bellis is reportedly unrelated to their UEFA settlement agreement, which mandates that the club must not have a 'negative balance' in their Champions League squad. This rule means that the combined transfer fees and wages for incoming players cannot exceed the income from player sales and wage reductions. Emery's tactical demands, particularly his emphasis on off-the-ball work, may also influence squad selection, with a reluctance to have players learning on the job in high-stakes European matches.
A Glimmer of Promise
Amidst the team's struggles, 19-year-old academy product George Hemmings has emerged as a bright spot. Hemmings has impressed with his technical skill, physical robustness, and tactical awareness, performing credibly against established players like Achraf Hakimi and Ben White. He has demonstrated the disciplined approach Emery demands, successfully balancing attacking duties with defensive responsibilities in a narrow attacking midfield role against Arsenal. Despite his limited senior appearances, Hemmings' composure and understanding of Emery's system offer a valuable example for the club's new signings as they adapt to the team's demands.