In the opening weeks of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Aston Villa's winless streak has become a major talking point among fans and analysts. As of September 21, 2025, Unai Emery's Aston Villa FC side remains rooted in 18th place with just three points from five matches—no wins, three draws, and two losses.
Their latest result, a frustrating 1-1 draw against 10-man Sunderland, ended a four-game goal drought but extended the Aston Villa winless run to five games. This poor start for Aston Villa FC contrasts sharply with last season's European qualification push, raising questions about tactical identity, squad depth, and key player form like Ollie Watkins.
In this in-depth analysis of Aston Villa's Premier League struggles in 2025/26, we explore the reasons behind Aston Villa FC's defensive lapses to attacking woes, and what it means for the rest of the campaign for Aston Villa.
Aston Villa's winless streak isn't just bad luck—it's backed by concerning statistics for Aston Villa FC. After five games, Aston Villa has scored only once (via Matty Cash against Sunderland) while conceding five, resulting in a -4 goal difference.
Their expected goals (xG) average sits below 1.0 per match, highlighting inefficiency in chance creation. Notably, Aston Villa FC failed to score in their first four league outings, a streak that was finally broken by Cash's stunning strike on September 21.
This ongoing issue underscores the challenges facing Aston Villa early in the season, with fans of Aston Villa FC voicing concerns over the lack of firepower and cohesion that defined their previous campaigns. For the latest Premier League statistics and live scores, check our comprehensive stats page.
Why Is Aston Villa Still Winless? Key Stats and Results from the 2025/26 Season Opener
Here's a quick breakdown of Aston Villa FC's fixtures so far:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10 | Manchester City | 0-2 L | Defensive errors cost early lead; no shots on target. |
| Aug 17 | Brentford | 0-0 D | Scoreless stalemate; Aston Villa dominated possession but lacked threat. |
| Aug 24 | Arsenal | 0-2 L | Clean sheet for Gunners; Aston Villa FC wasteful in final third. |
| Aug 31 | Crystal Palace | 0-0 D | Another goalless draw; frustration mounts over creativity. |
| Sep 21 | Sunderland | 1-1 D | Cash's 67th-min stunner; Isidor equalizes after red card to hosts. |
This table underscores how Aston Villa's winless run in Premier League 2025/26 has persisted against a mix of top teams and mid-table foes, including an early Carabao Cup exit that exposed squad rotation issues.
Fan frustration is palpable on social media, with posts decrying the lack of intensity and calling for tactical tweaks. For comprehensive coverage of all Premier League news and updates, visit our news section.
Unai Emery's Tactics Under Fire: Loss of Identity in Aston Villa FC's Winless Streak
Unai Emery, the tactical maestro who guided Aston Villa to Europe last term, has been blunt about the slump. Once renowned for high-pressing and fluid build-up, Aston Villa FC's style now looks disjointed, with static possession and poor transitions.
Top Reasons for Aston Villa's Premier League 2025/26 Struggles
- • Attacking Impotence: Just one open-play goal this season; over-reliance on set pieces amid low shot volume (under 10 per game) and a complete shutout in the first four matches.
- • Defensive Frailties: Conceding from counters and set pieces, exacerbated by injuries and depth issues in a congested European schedule.
- • Midfield Disconnect: Failure to link defense to attack, leading to isolated forwards and predictable patterns.
- • Fixture Fatigue: Tough early draws against City and Arsenal drained momentum, but even winnable games slipped away.
These factors have turned Aston Villa's winless streak into a crisis of confidence, with Emery hinting at squad changes to restore the "principles" that defined their 2024/25 success. Fantasy managers should take note - check our FPL AI Assistant for advice on whether to keep or sell Villa assets.
Ollie Watkins Struggles: The Star Striker's Role in Aston Villa FC's Winless Run
At the heart of Aston Villa's attacking woes is Ollie Watkins, whose Ollie Watkins struggles in 2025/26 mirror the team's broader issues. The England forward, who netted 16 goals and provided 8 assists in 38 appearances last season, has zero strikes or assists in five outings this term. With the team blank in the first four games, Watkins has been particularly starved of service, managing limited opportunities overall.
Key stats for Watkins in Premier League 2025/26:
| Metric | Value | Comparison to 2024/25 |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 5 | 38 |
| Goals | 0 | 16 |
| Assists | 0 | 8 |
| Shots | 8 | 112 (season total) |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 42 |
In recent outings, Watkins squandered chances against Brentford (four shots, none on target) and Crystal Palace (three shots, one on target), showing subdued movement possibly due to international fatigue. His xG stands at a dismal 0.8, pointing to isolation in the box and poor service from midfield. Pundits argue that without better wing play or deeper runs, Watkins risks a prolonged drought, further fueling Aston Villa FC's winless streak. Reigniting his form could be the key to turning draws into wins. Use our Transfer Simulator Pro to explore potential Villa squad improvements.
Squad Depth Issues and European Fatigue
One aspect that cannot be overlooked in Aston Villa's struggles is the impact of European competition. The demands of playing in the Europa Conference League have stretched Emery's squad thin, with key players showing signs of fatigue early in the campaign. The inability to rotate effectively has led to tired legs and predictable performances in Premier League fixtures.
Villa's summer transfer window, while bringing in some quality additions, failed to address the depth needed for a club competing on multiple fronts. The lack of a proven backup striker to Watkins has been particularly glaring, with the England international playing every minute when fit, leading to physical and mental exhaustion. Compare Villa's squad depth with other teams using our Team Analyzer tool.
The Matty Cash Bright Spot
If there's one positive from Villa's recent performances, it's the emergence of Matty Cash as an unlikely goal threat. His stunning strike against Sunderland not only ended Villa's 361-minute goal drought but also showcased the right-back's improved attacking contribution. Cash has been one of Villa's more consistent performers, providing width and energy down the right flank even as the team struggles collectively.
The Polish international's goal was a moment of individual brilliance that temporarily masked the team's systemic issues. However, relying on defenders for goals is unsustainable, and Villa need their forwards to step up if they're to climb the table.
Can Aston Villa End Their Winless Streak? Predictions and Pathways Forward
Despite the gloom, Aston Villa's Premier League 2025/26 winless run is salvageable—it's only September. Emery's history of mid-season revivals offers hope, especially with favorable upcoming fixtures against mid-table sides like Fulham on September 28. For detailed fixture analysis and predictions, visit our Fixture Tracker Pro.
Potential fixes include:
- Tactical shifts to a more direct style for Watkins: Abandoning the slow build-up for quicker transitions could better suit Watkins' pace and movement.
- January reinforcements for depth: A backup striker and creative midfielder should be priorities to ease the burden on key players.
- Intensive training on pressing to recapture identity: Emery must drill his defensive shape and pressing triggers to restore the intensity that defined last season's success.
- Rotation policy: Better squad management between European and domestic fixtures to keep players fresh.
- Psychological reset: Team bonding sessions and sports psychology support to rebuild confidence.
Historical Context: Villa's Previous Struggles
This isn't the first time Aston Villa has endured a difficult start to a Premier League campaign. The club's history is littered with false dawns and relegation battles, most recently in 2016 when they dropped to the Championship. However, under Emery's guidance last season, Villa showed they could compete with the league's best, finishing 7th and qualifying for European competition.
The stark contrast between last season's success and this campaign's struggles highlights the fine margins in the Premier League. What worked last year—a high press, quick transitions, and clinical finishing—has deserted them when they need it most. The challenge for Emery is to rediscover that formula while adapting to opponents who have now studied his methods.
Fan Reaction and Pressure Mounting
Villa Park has been a cauldron of frustration in recent weeks, with supporters growing increasingly impatient with the team's performances. The atmosphere during home games has turned toxic at times, particularly after conceding goals or missing clear chances. Social media has been awash with criticism, with #EmeryOut trending after the Sunderland draw despite the manager's previous success.
However, many fans remain supportive, understanding that the combination of European football and a tough fixture list has contributed to the poor start. The true test will come in the next few weeks as Villa face more winnable fixtures. Failure to secure victories against teams around them in the table could see the pressure on Emery become unsustainable.
The Relegation Question
While it may seem premature to discuss relegation after just five games, Aston Villa's position in 18th place cannot be ignored. The Premier League has seen established clubs suffer dramatic falls before—Leicester City's relegation in 2023 serves as a recent reminder that no team is too big to go down.
If unaddressed, relegation whispers could grow louder. The psychological impact of being in the bottom three can be devastating, creating a negative spiral that becomes increasingly difficult to escape. Emery must act quickly to arrest the slide before confidence completely evaporates. Track Villa's survival chances with our Player Predictor tool.
Looking Ahead: The Next Five Fixtures
Aston Villa's upcoming fixture list offers both opportunity and challenge. The next five games could define their season:
- Fulham (H) - September 28: A must-win home fixture against a mid-table side.
- Ipswich Town (A) - October 5: A trip to a promoted side offers a chance for three points.
- Manchester United (H) - October 12: A tough test against a resurgent United.
- Everton (A) - October 19: Another winnable fixture against relegation rivals.
- Bournemouth (H) - October 26: A home game Villa will be expected to win.
Three wins from these five fixtures would transform Villa's season, lifting them toward mid-table and easing relegation fears. Anything less, and the pressure on Emery could become unbearable.
Conclusion: A Crossroads Moment for Aston Villa
As one report notes, "What a difference a year makes" for a club once eyeing Champions League spots. Aston Villa FC stands at a crossroads—they can either use this difficult period as a catalyst for improvement or allow it to define a season of struggle. The talent is there, the manager has proven his quality, but the execution has been woefully lacking.
The international break provides Emery with valuable time to work with his players on the training ground, addressing the tactical and psychological issues plaguing the team. When domestic football returns, Villa must show immediate improvement or risk being cut adrift at the bottom of the table.
Aston Villa FC fans, stay tuned: the fightback starts now. For more on Aston Villa winless streak updates and comprehensive Premier League coverage, follow our EPL News Hub homepage. Don't forget to check our FPL Premium Hub for expert Fantasy Premier League advice on Villa players.
⚡ Key Takeaways
- • Aston Villa remains winless after 5 games with just 3 points, sitting in 18th place
- • Ollie Watkins has failed to score or assist in any match this season
- • Matty Cash's goal ended a 361-minute scoring drought for Villa
- • European fixture congestion has exposed serious squad depth issues
- • Three wins from the next five fixtures could transform Villa's season
