Overview

• Dango Ouattara’s 12th‑minute strike decided the match at the Gtech Community Stadium as Villa failed to find a breakthrough.
• Villa dominated the ball but lacked threat, recording about 76% possession and 529 passes yet managing only two shots on target.
• Emery attributed the defeat to a lack of intensity in the opening 20 minutes and called for calm as the team works to improve.
• Boubacar Kamara went off injured with his status unclear, and Emery noted Ezri Konsa’s suspension disrupted defensive structure.
• Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards criticised PSR spending limits for restricting Villa’s ability to strengthen in the final week of the window.