Aston Villa The French team suffered its first defeat this year in all competitions away from Monaco. Unai EmeryMen by one goal.
In fact, it wasn't the most exciting thing UEFA Champions League A great spectacle but Monaco eventually crossed the goal line to take three points in Europe's most prestigious competition thanks to Wilfried Singo's early header.
Emery will pray that this unwanted defeat does not affect his team's confidence before returning to the Premier League soon, as a large part of his first team underperformed on Tuesday night.
What went wrong in the Aston Villa vs. Monaco match?
It was a consistent performance overall from a Villans side who can play reckless football when at the peak of their powers. After all, they have already beaten Bayern Munich in this season's edition of the Champions League.
However, it was a tiring display from the majority of Villa's strikers in the Principality, as Ollie Watkins was unable to score to give his side a foothold in the competition.
On another day, the England international unleashed a chance like the one above after Emiliano Buenda's excellent trick found him in space, but it was not on a night when that was his goal. Effort only On the Monaco network suddenly.
Aside from the number 11 mis-performing, it could be said that Morgan Rogers also had a quiet night by his high standards, with only 33% of his dribbles Withdrew successfully.
However, there is one yet-to-be-named player who has put in another poor showing for Emery's men, with the 2024/25 season not being kind to him at all after a previous tough campaign.
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Leon Bailey's performance by the numbers
It was always going to be difficult for the Jamaican striker to live up to his numbers in the 2023/24 season, with the former Bayer Leverkusen winger helping himself to a stunning goal. 19 contributions to goals In the Premier League alone.
But no one could have predicted how severe the decline would be Leon Bailey It will only take a short time, as the 27-year-old has only signed up Three goal contributions From 18 league appearances this season, his poor form domestically has begun to show in his forgettable performances in the Champions League.
|
Billy's numbers against Monaco |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes played |
57 |
|
Goals were scored |
0 |
|
Helps |
0 |
|
Touches |
20 |
|
Accurate passes |
8/11 |
|
Screenshots |
3 |
|
Great opportunities were missed |
2 |
|
Total duels won |
1/3 |
|
Statistics by SofaScore |
|
Just 20 touches of the ball during a lackluster 57 minutes on the pitch, that was fewer than goalkeeper Emi Martinez (41), which only goes to show the striker's lack of influence on proceedings.
Bailly did manage to put himself in some promising areas for the visitors at times, but two big chances begged the 5ft 10in striker to try and guide his side to a confident win in Europe.
With just eight accurate passes recorded, as well as only one duel won from three attempts, it was not a huge shock to see Bailly fire the ball away on the hour mark as Villa's first change, with Emery now left to ponder whether the senior's playing time should be reduced. Age 27 in Serie A.
I delivered a Rating 4/10 By Birmingham World journalist Charlie Haffenden It may be time for Emery to ditch his winger and unleash Donyell Malen on the right flank instead.
There is no doubt that the former Borussia Dortmund player is keen to make an impact after costing his new club £21 million to acquire last week.
Whichever team they play next, Emery will be looking for a reaction after a dismal evening in Monaco that saw a disappointing end to his side's unbeaten run in 2025.
