Emi Martinez stat highlights Unai Emery’s biggest problem at Aston Villa
Aston Villa have struggled to create chances since the turn of the year and this has contributed to their poor Premier League form.
Unai Emery’s side have won just three top-flight games in 2026, and their 4-1 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday evening was their second successive loss.
Douglas Luiz gave the Midlands side an early lead at Villa Park, but a Joao Pedro double had turned the game on its head by half-time.
Cole Palmer then added a third just 10 minutes after the break, before Pedro completed his hat-trick from close range.
Aston Villa struggling to create chances
In the final three months of 2025, Villa were practically unstoppable, rising all the way from the Premier League relegation zone into a title race.
However, following injuries to some key players, Emery’s side have gone off the boil in recent weeks.
They were comprehensively beaten by Chelsea on Wednesday evening, and their issues in attack are clear for all to see.
These problems are highlighted by the fact that, according to Aston Villa Statto on X, Emi Martinez has created the third most big chances for Villa in the Premier League this calendar year (1).
Only Morgan Rogers (4) and Youri Tielemans (2) have carved out more big chances than the Villa shot-stopper.
Emery’s side are lacking creativity in forward areas, and it is a problem that needs addressing quickly.
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Aston Villa’s Champions League hopes fading
Aston Villa looked almost certain to finish in the top five at the turn of the year, but the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have now closed the gap.
Emery’s side are at real risk of missing out on Champions League football and dropping down into the Europa League once again.
On current form, Villa are on track to finish sixth, especially given their troubles creating chances in recent weeks.
However, if Emery can get some of his injured stars back to fitness, then there is still time for his side to turn things around.
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