Unai Emery has urged Aston Villa supporters to remain patient as his revamped squad continues to adapt, after the club’s winless start to the 2026/27 Premier League season continued with a frustrating draw against Hull City.
Aston Villa were held to a 0-0 draw by newly promoted Hull on Saturday, leaving Emery’s side without a victory from their opening three league matches and sitting 17th in the table.
A point apiece in Hull ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/sFSmkHy9TW
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) September 5, 2026
The result extended a difficult beginning for a Villa side that underwent significant changes during the summer. With several new faces still adapting to their surroundings and Emery’s methods, the manager believes the team needs time to develop the understanding required to return to their best.
Emery insisted the approach against Hull had been deliberate, with Villa attempting to control the game through possession and careful positioning while limiting the visitors’ opportunities on the counter.
“We planned this match the way we played,” Emery told the media. “We were trying to dominate the match with our positioning, keeping possession of the ball as much as possible, and not conceding transitions, free-kicks or corners was our objective throughout the match.”
Villa created around five good opportunities but were unable to find the breakthrough, highlighting one of the problems Emery wants his side to address.
“During the game, we tried to feel comfortable, create some good individual actions and be clinical,” he added. “We created around five good chances to score.” The Spaniard acknowledged that Villa still have work to do in the final third, particularly as their new-look squad continues to develop.
Clean sheet for Zion 🔒 pic.twitter.com/a8DBgeuDYe
— Aston Villa (@AstonVilla) September 5, 2026
“The next step for us is to continue building the team and try to correct a few things offensively,” Emery said. “We are improving, but not enough.”
Despite the disappointing results, Emery pointed to Villa’s experience from last season as evidence that an early-season stumble does not necessarily define a campaign. Villa did not record their first league victory last term until the end of September, yet still went on to qualify for the Champions League.
The manager therefore called for supporters to trust the process, reminding them that difficult spells have occurred even during Villa’s successful period under his leadership.
“Overall, I can tell the fans and the players that I understand this is the way,” Emery said. “In the last four years, with the success and performances we have had, we have had some days like today.”
Villa will now look to turn their improved control and chance creation into results, with Emery hoping patience can give his new additions the time needed to settle and eventually deliver the performances expected at Villa Park.
