Overview

• Villa are winless in the league and still seeking their first Premier League goal after a cup shootout loss at Brentford despite Harvey Elliott scoring on his full debut.
• PSR and UEFA squad‑cost rules constrained spending, with The Telegraph detailing how those limits led to a restrained window and Jacob Ramsey’s £40m move to Newcastle.
• Ramsey’s exit was unpopular in the dressing room and frustration over the lack of top‑tier signings has increased scrutiny on recruitment chief Monchi.
• Selection options remain affected by injuries, with Youri Tielemans sidelined and Amadou Onana and Victor Lindelöf doubtful, while Boubacar Kamara has returned to action.
• Before Sunday’s trip to Sunderland, pundits questioned the club’s direction, as Jamie Redknapp cooled talk of a Champions League push and ex‑scout Mick Brown cautioned that pressure will grow without quick improvement.