Zion Suzuki and Unai Emery
Zion Suzuki and Unai EmeryBreaking Media Limited/Mahn Tung

How Zion Suzuki reveal sums up everything that went wrong for Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Jacob Raw

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

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Zion Suzuki has been a glimmer of hope for Aston Villa during their poor start to the season.

The Villans beat off competition from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Leeds United to land the goalkeeper this summer.

The ex-Parma star caught eyes with his strong performances for Japan at the World Cup in the summer, and is eyed as Emi Martinez's long-term successor.

Unai Emery has already been impressed by what Suzuki has offered his side, though he's yet to see the best of the Villa Park atmosphere for clear reasons.

The Japan international has been let down by the defence in front of him, which starts with attackers, who have also been poor in front of goal.

But one statistic involving Suzuki from the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday proves everything that is going wrong for Aston Villa right now.

Zion Suzuki reveal proves where Aston Villa are going wrong

Aston Villa had big chances to take the lead against Nottingham Forest, but could not stick the ball in the net in the first half.

As highlighted on X by Aston Villa Statto, Suzuki completed more passes into the final third than any other player in the first half against Oliver Glasner's side.

Furthermore, he now leads the way for the Villans for most passes completed in the final third this season in the Premier League with 30.

Boubacar Kamara trails him with 28, while Victor Lindelof and Ross Barkley have 21, and John McGinn has 19.

Villa are second bottom for the least goals scored in the league so far after four games, and it's clear to see why.

Not enough movement or creativity is happening in the final third.

Zion Suzuki and Unai Emery
Aston Villa player ratings vs Nottingham Forest: Alysson let down, 4/10 fails final chance

Aston Villa xG reveal to raise more concerns

Not only have Villa got the second-worst return for goals so far, but they are in joint-19th place for expected goals (xG) created.

The Villans have accumulated a measly 3.40 xG so far this season, joint with Tottenham, who are yet to score a single goal.

Compare it to Newcastle, who have created the least with 3.00 xG; the Magpies have at least netted six times in four games.

This comes despite being ninth for having the most possession on average at 48.4 per cent, proving that Villa's attack is not firing at all.

Emery will be hoping that Johan Manzambi and Ibrahim Mbaye can both make the difference now that they are finally in the mix to play.

www.astonvillanews.co.uk