Unai Emery already has plan to nullify ‘aggressive’ Everton star, it could be key for Aston Villa
Unai Emery is desperate for his first victory of the 2025-26 campaign as Aston Villa prepare to face an in-form Everton side.
Villa were condemned to a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace before the international break, leaving the Villans in the relegation zone on one point from three games.
With very limited moves made during the summer transfer window, at least until deadline day, PSR appeared to be a huge problem for Villa, and frustrations are now bubbling over in the Midlands.
Despite the situation, Emery’s side are in dire need of three points, but despite winning seven of their last nine meetings against the Toffees, David Moyes will be keen to buck that trend on Merseyside.
Aston Villa must contain Jack Grealish to beat Everton
The Blues have been in fine form so far, especially after Jack Grealish joined from Man City on a season-long loan, quickly becoming one of the team’s dangermen in the final third.
His ability is a surprise to absolutely nobody, most of all Pep Guardiola, who praised the winger’s “aggressive” side to his game during a pre-season friendly against Barcelona last year [BBC Sport].
In two Premier League starts, he already has four assists, helping Everton to wins over Brighton and Wolves, but the opening-day defeat to Leeds United came too early for a huge impact.
He is exactly who Villa need to be watching out for if they are to beat the Toffees once the Premier League resumes, and Emery already appears to have plans in place to nullify him.
Unai Emery already has a plan in place to stop in-form Everton star
Speaking about the return of the boyhood Villa star back in February 2023 [BirminghamLive], the Spaniard was well aware of his talents before taking on Man City.
“I know, we have to be careful of them, tactically, thinking of the strategy and, of course, individually as well, and to face them as well; being and helping a lot sometimes on the pitch,” he said.
“Not letting them do one-vs-one, especially with Grealish or with [Riyad] Mahrez. We will have to defend, of course. We have to work, think and, defensively, we have to be strong and committed.
“Our attitude will be great in our players’ minds. When we have moments to attack and keep ball possession, we will try to impose ourselves.”
Matty Cash has picked up a new injury for Villa, handing Emery a huge headache to address, but shutting down Everton’s left flank will be key if Moyes’ team are to walk away with nothing from the clash.