Unai Emery needs signings, Marco Bizot stars – Three things learned in Aston Villa vs Newcastle
Aston Villa kicked off their Premier League campaign with an entertaining 0-0 draw with Newcastle United at Villa Park on Saturday.
The away side started the encounter on the front foot and should have taken the lead through Anthony Elanga.
However, Marco Bizot was the difference for Aston Villa, standing in for Emi Martinez, who was suspended.
With a draw a fair result despite drama, Villa News analyses the key talking points from the opening day of the Premier League.
Aston Villa have perfect Martinez replacement in Bizot
Martinez has been heavily linked with an Aston Villa exit; however, it seems he may be staying put after all.
The Argentina international was absent between the sticks because of the red card he picked up against Man United on the final day of the 2024/25 campaign.
Up stepped Bizot, who denied Elanga in a one-on-one, while pulling off some eye-catching saves.
The 34-year-old is very much expected to be Martinez’s backup for the campaign, but Unai Emery can certainly count on him.
- Bizot stood his ground to deny Elanga
- Pulled off some assured stops
- Kept a clean sheet on debut
With Villa playing in a wealth of competitions this term, Bizot should receive game time after a promising display.
Read more: Richard Keys says why Newcastle were hard done by vs Aston Villa after what he saw
Emery needs more signings at Villa Park
Evann Guessand is an eye-catching Aston Villa signing, but he was an unused substitute at Villa Park.
Indeed, he is set to play a starring role for the Villans in what will be a long season and could receive a starting berth soon.
However, it was evident that Emery needs more quality in his arsenal, with Bizot the only new signing in the starting lineup.
The Villans were poor in the first half and were lucky to go in at the break level, although they did improve in the second half.
However, Emery will surely be knocking on the door of his bosses to beg for new additions before the window closes.
Ollie Watkins needs more support in front of goal
Watkins has been linked with a move to Man United this summer, but is staying at Villa Park as things stand.
The striker had his chances for the home side, although he failed to create any clear-cut chances for the Villans.
Nonetheless, he put in an encouraging display, given the service he was provided by the players behind him.
If anything, Watkins needed more assistance, and it should be a sign that Villa require more attacking flair.
- Villa notched just three shots
- Emery’s men finished with an xG of 0.13
If the Premier League club can get a couple of threatening additions on the wing, then he should continue his goalscoring exploits this term.
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