Aston Villa: Micah Richards wrong to defend Unai Emery after Manchester United stinker
Micah Richards has sprung to the defence of Unai Emery after Aston Villa lost 3-1 to Manchester United on Sunday.
There was no one associated with the claret and blue outfit who was surprised to watch yet another defeat away at Old Trafford.
It was arguably more of a shock when Ross Barkley netted an equaliser, and there wasn’t a reason for it to be disallowed.
That didn’t matter in the end as Villa’s shoddy performance was ultimately made to pay by Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Even so, Richards has defended Emery, but Villa’s defeat against Manchester United summed up recent problems at B6.
Micah Richards makes excuses for Unai Emery vs Manchester United
There is very little positive to say about the Midlands side after falling to more misery at the Theatre of Dreams.
Having won there just twice in Premier League history, it hardly comes as a surprise to anyone anymore.
That hasn’t stopped excuses from being raised for the Villans, with various factors being blamed for yet another stinking performance.
Former Villa skipper Richards has sprung to the defence of Emery, suggesting the defeat against Michael Carrick’s side wasn’t his fault.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “With the amount of games, they look very tired. Losing Tielemans, he’s the one who can create something; he’s defensively astute and knows exactly where to be, and Kamara also. Cash as well, with his energy up and down.
“You look at the results, and they haven’t been good enough in terms of losing their last three in the Premier League. They look tired, and they’ve got players missing. It’s no fault of Emery.”
Emery continues to cost Aston Villa
Missing Tielemans, Kamara and McGinn for a lengthy period has indeed had a massive effect on Villa Park and the recent downturn in results.
Having the Scotland international back is a boost, but it could be weeks before his Belgian counterpart returns and months until Kamara can feature in B6.
There is only so long they can be used as an excuse while continuing to throw away a Champions League spot.
Emery can’t continue to somehow remain blameless, with his continued selection of Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings having a part to play in the struggles.
The attacking duo had a combined shot accuracy of zero per cent, while the England international took just two touches in the Man United box.
Mings had completed just one of his attempted long balls, with multiple flying out of play, as has become all too familiar.
The selection of these names has continuously frustrated fans, but somehow Emery isn’t worthy of criticism? Richards has got this one wrong for me.
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