Credit: Imago

Henry Green

Mon 22 September 2025 19:45, UK

Aston Villa continue to come under fire after their disappointing 1-1 draw with newly promoted Sunderland.

Three draws and two defeats in five Premier League games has ensured that Unai Emery’s side spend another week in the relegation zone at this early stage of the season.

In the draw with Sunderland, Matty Cash drew the red card from Reinildo and scored from long range in the second half, before Wilson Isidor brought the game level.

Before Villa’s Europa League clash with Bologna, Villa News brings you the biggest talking points surrounding the Villans.

Morgan Rogers reacts to dangerous tackle made on him vs Sunderland

Sunderland committed an alarming 14 fouls against Aston Villa, compared to the Villans’ eight.

Reinildo’s first-half kick-out was a sign to come for the Mackems, as they were forced to slow play down with just ten men.

However, Trai Hume’s foul on Morgan Rogers seemed to breach the threshold of a foul yet went unpunished.

The wing-back went to clear the ball, but caught Rogers on the shin.

Following the game, Sunderland’s official Instagram page posted a clip of the tackle, captioned: “Still got the ball”, followed by a shrugging emoji.

In reply, Rogers reposted the video to his story, writing: “Great message to put out… dangerous tackles getting highlight reels.”

• Read more: Three Emi Martinez moments at Aston Villa that show he’s worthy of top Ballon d’Or recognition

Unai Emery urged to use Ollie Watkins more by Dion Dublin

Ollie Watkins has yet to reach his best for the Villans this season.

The striker still seems jaded after a summer of transfer uncertainty, but former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin think Watkins should be utilised more.

Speaking on Football Focus [20 September], Dublin thinks Watkins’ form can be attributed to when the striker was dropped against PSG in the Champions League last season.

He said: “When they played against PSG, he didn’t play Ollie, he played Marcus [Rashford] instead, and I think Ollie’s possibly still carrying that around.

“A huge game, Ollie Watkins’ hard work got them to that situation in the first place, and he was probably thinking my nose is put out of joint here.

“‘All I’ve done for you and you don’t play me.”

Villa fans concerned by Unai Emery footage

Villa should have put the game to bed in the game against Sunderland, with their one-man advantage.

Despite having more than 71 per cent of the ball, the Villans failed to make any meaningful chances and managed an expected goals of just 0.71.

Following the poor showing, Emery was seen storming down the tunnel before full-time against Sunderland, which has met by a mixed reception from the Villa faithful.

One fan described this as a “concerning development,” with “more than enough concern already on the field,” as rumours grow that the Spaniard is getting closer to the exit door.

While many have been annoyed by his actions, one supporter pointed out that issues would be caused if the manager were to leave.

They said: “The worrying thing is, if Emery walked tonight, the team is hardly any different to the one he took over.”

Unai Emery would have ‘new job by the end of today’

Emery has come under criticism for his side’s setup against Sunderland.

After a run of five games without a win, and just two goals scored this season, there has been conversations about how long it will be before the Spaniard comes under pressure at Villa Park.

Speaking on talkSPORT on Monday, Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent discussed Emery’s position at Villa.

Bent claimed that if Emery was sacked, he wouldn’t be out of a job for long.

Bent said: “If he goes, who comes in after him? He’s one of those managers where, if he becomes available, he’ll have a job by the end of today.”

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