Emery Demands Defensive Unity for Aston Villa's Away Form

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is pushing his squad to improve their notoriously shaky away form and defensive consistency as they prepare to face Brentford. Despite finishing just shy of the top five last season, a record of leaky goals and dropped points on the road held them back. For Emery, the trip to Brentford is a crucial opportunity to take a "first step forward" in addressing these issues head-on.

Emery expressed respect for their opponents, acknowledging the significant changes at Brentford this summer. The Bees have lost key figures, including long-serving manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham and captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal. Additionally, their star forward, Bryan Mbeumo, who scored 20 goals last season, has moved to Manchester United. These departures have undoubtedly weakened Brentford, but Emery is wary of underestimating a team that will be looking to bounce back after a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Nottingham Forest.

For Villa, the challenge is clear: they must replicate their fortress-like home form on the road. The team has been undefeated at Villa Park since August of last year, even securing a clean sheet against Newcastle United while playing with only ten men. Maintaining that defensive standard is a key objective for Emery. "The first step forward we will do tomorrow is to keep a clean sheet," he stated, highlighting his focus on building a strong foundation.

Beyond the team's collective goals, Emery praised the individual brilliance of Morgan Rogers. The 23-year-old was recently named the PFA Young Player of the Year, and his boss sees him as a vital part of the squad. Emery lauded Rogers's maturity, versatility, and "fantastic" development, pointing to his eight goals and ten assists last season. The manager expects even more from the young attacker, who has ambitions of making England's World Cup squad in 2026. According to Emery, Rogers's drive for self-improvement will not only benefit him but also help lift the entire team to new heights.