Data shows how Aston Villa fans are getting less bang for their buck than most in Premier League
Aston Villa fans have become acclimatised to watching top-quality football under Unai Emery.
Emery was hired by Villa back in 2023 to replace Steven Gerrard at one of the lowest points in the last five years at Villa Park.
Emery has become one of the most loved Villa managers in B6 history, having had a largely stellar three seasons in charge.
Villa beat Burnley 2-1 last time out to secure a fourth consecutive win after a largely shaky start to the campaign under the Spaniard.
The claret and blue faithful are once again looking at Emery’s side with positivity, but are actually being let down on the pitch compared to other Premier League sides.
Aston Villa struggle to keep ball in play compared to Premier League rivals
Villa have fallen to defeat against Crystal Palace and Brentford this season, while also drawing with Newcastle, Everton and Sunderland.
Form has turned around in recent weeks, and there are certainly growing expectations for the rest of the season, moving beyond the international break.
New-found frustration could start to emerge in the Midlands after Opta Analyst revealed that Villa sit fifth from bottom for the percentage of total match minutes with the ball in play in the Premier League.
Villa have the ball in play for just 53.4 per cent of the time, sitting narrowly above the likes of Brentford, Brighton, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Leeds United tops this chart with 57.5 per cent, sitting 4.1 per cent clear of the Villans for the total match minutes in play.
It seems that Emery’s approach of almost winning at any cost is impacting what supporters receive for their money when attending matches.
Unai Emery right to focus on results
It is wild that Villa only have the ball in play for an average of 53 minutes and 56 seconds per game.
That being said, it can be beneficial as long as the game is going your way and the results remain positive.
This was on display against Burnley as Villa largely dominated the Clarets and secured another three points in the Premier League.
Villa had more possession, shots, chances created and corners with a difference of 0.76, showcasing the difference in quality.
Making 434 passes with an 88 per cent accuracy sums up the style of play under Emery and reveals why fans won’t necessarily mind the lack of in-play ball time.
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