Emiliano BuendiaImago

Aston Villa must axe Emiliano Buendia, his latest stats speak volumes

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

07 Sep 2026, 8:51 am

Aston Villa were forced to accept a disappointing point against Hull City on Saturday as they drew 0-0 at the MKM Stadium.

It was yet another poor performance from Unai Emery’s side as they once again failed to score a goal.

Many of the attackers were underwhelming against the newly promoted side, but perhaps no one was worse than Emiliano Buendia.

The 29-year-old was once again unable to provide any creative spark to unlock the opposition’s backline as Villa’s terrible start to the season continued.

Now, with the club set to travel to Club Brugge for their Champions League tie on Tuesday, he simply has to be dropped.

Many of Buendia’s stats against Hull City were awful, and Emery has to make a ruthless decision to get the club back on track.

How bad was Emiliano Buendia vs Hull City?

The draw against Hull City once again proved just how limited Villa’s new attack is.

Despite several chances to score, the visitors only managed one shot on target as they continue to search for their first goal of the campaign.

Buendia’s performance was the most disappointing, as he missed a clear chance to score while he created nothing for his teammates.

According to Fotmob on 7 September, he had two shots, both of which were off target, had a 0.61 xG, completed 68 per cent of his passes, created zero chances, had just two touches in the opposition’s box and failed to win all four of his aerial duels.

Now, enough is enough and Emery must drop him for their upcoming Champions League tie.

Buendia clearly is not performing, and given the club’s lack of goals, other players need to be given a chance.

'I'm told there are behind-the-scenes Aston Villa issues, Unai Emery's response has been strange'

What are Opta’s predictions for Club Brugge vs Aston Villa?

Opta, on 7 September, has given Villa a slight edge to come out as winners against Club Brugge on Tuesday.

The supercomputer believes that the Birmingham outfit have a 37.9 per cent chance of coming out victorious, compared to Club Brugge’s 36.8 per cent chance.

The last time Villa travelled to the Jan Breydelstadion, they came out 3-1 winners in the Champions League tie.

However, it remains to be seen if the club can repeat this feat on Tuesday.

Emiliano Buendia Stati