Aston Villa still can't find their feet in the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest leaving Villa Park with all the points on Saturday afternoon, having defeated Unai Emery's side 2-1.

It's a frustrating result, with the injustice of the Tricky Trees' late winner reflective of the wider misfortune that has attached itself to Aston Villa right now. Ian Maatsen was forced off late on, with the home side having already exhausted their substitute's bench, contributing toward Igor Jesus' 88th-minute winner for the away side.

However, pushing such a narrative will only stretch so far. Aston Villa were poor against Oliver Glasner's side, and it's clear that this new chapter has a way to go before hitting the kind of form fans have become accustomed to over the past few years.

What went wrong for Aston Villa vs Forest

To say that Aston Villa have lost their way would be unfair. Six of the starters during last year's triumphant Europa League final are no longer at the club, but that does mean that this is a very different side.

Emery has his work cut out, with the midweek 3-2 Champions League win over Club Brugge unable to be followed with a maiden win in the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Up top, the forwards didn't gel. Record signing Nicolas Jackson was ineffective, replaced at half-time by Tammy Abraham, who also failed to impress.

In midfield, Boubacar Kamara was not up to his usual standard. He was at the epicentre of a disjointed passing performance. It will have given the manager much food for thought.

Barkley has not started the 2026/27 season in fine form. The 32-year-old is slow and laboured in midfield, and he lacked any sort of impetus when trying to open things up for his teammates, failing to create a chance.

However, he's not the only member of the old guard who flattered to deceive and perhaps looks like their days in the Midlands are numbered.

Emery must instantly ditch Aston Villa dud

After so many sweeping summer changes, Aston Villa were always going to have to suffer through a transitional period in the Premier League this season. However, there are things Emery can do to lift his team.

One of which might be dropping Emi Buendia to the bench. The Argentine playmaker has been a stalwart for the Villans over the years, but he hasn't started strongly this season, and against Forest, with one Villa statistics site asserting that he 'did nothing right'.

Barkley struggled in the centre, but at least he was crisp and composed on the ball. Buendia, by contrast, failed to direct any of the magic that has emerged at critical moments in the past.

It's no wonder that he was hooked just after the hour mark. Replacing him, Ibrahim Mbaye had moments of success, creating a chance and enjoying some silky, purposeful touches.

Buendia simply doesn't seem to connect effectively with this specific combination of midfielders. That said, it was his cross which should have been converted by Victor Lindelof at the start of the game, perhaps setting the tone for Emery's side. Alas, the veteran failed to build on that, with Villa drifting and Buendia drifting with them.

At least Emery and co have signed a range of new options who could take the 29-year-old's place - Johan Manzambi, Ibrahim Mbaye and Alejandro Garnacho among them - but there's no question that he failed to help his side against Forest, and that he needs to be dropped going forward.

This was always going to be a testing season for Emery and his side, but measures can be taken to mitigate the setbacks at the start of this transitional period.

Promoting one of the exciting new signings over Buendia would be a sure-fire way to get the new system up and running. Now, it's time for the Midlands side to make it happen.