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Emilio is an experienced football journalist who has worked at Football FanCast for over six years, specialising in transfer analysis, Premier League reporting and the business of football.
After graduating with first-class honours from the University of Central Lancashire in 2019, it didn't take long for Emilio to begin his journalism career at Snack Media, now Valnet.
Emilio has written for several of the company's biggest football publications, including Vital Football, The Transfer Tavern and Football FanCast. His expertise lies in assessing the credibility of transfer stories, analysing what potential deals mean for clubs on and off the pitch, and breaking down the wider implications of football's biggest talking points.
Through years of covering Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal on a weekly basis, Emilio has developed an extensive understanding of North London's biggest clubs, their recruitment strategies and the issues that matter most to supporters. He has cultivated trusted contacts within the football industry that help inform his reporting and analysis.
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Aston Villa finally claimed their first Premier League point of the season, but their wait for a goal continued following a 0-0 draw with Hull City.
Unai Emery’s side arrived at the MKM Stadium after defeats against Brighton and Arsenal had left them at the bottom of the table.
REUTERS/Gintare KarpaviciuteVilla had also failed to produce a shot on target across those opening two matches, placing immediate pressure on their rebuilt attack.
Nicolas Jackson continued through the middle and almost gave Villa the perfect start when he headed Ian Maatsen’s cross wide inside two minutes.
Teenager George Hemmings ended Villa’s unwanted wait for a league shot on target when Konstantinos Tzolakis blocked his close range effort, and John McGinn later allowed a low cross to run towards Ross Barkley, whose scuffed attempt was pushed around the post by the Hull goalkeeper.
|
Possession |
26% |
74% |
|
Total shots |
11 |
13 |
|
Shots on target |
4 |
1 |
|
Expected goals (xG) |
0.58 |
1.74 |
|
Big chances |
2 |
3 |
|
Corners |
3 |
4 |
|
Accurate passes |
167 |
613 |
|
Pass accuracy |
73% |
90% |
|
Fouls |
10 |
5 |
|
Yellow cards |
2 |
|
|
Goalkeeper saves |
1 |
4 |
Emiliano Buendia sent a free kick over, while Hull offered a threat through Mohamed Belloumi, Oli McBurnie and Regan Slater.
The visitors created two excellent opportunities early in the second half.
McGinn reached a loose ball before Tzolakis but lifted his finish over the crossbar. Hemmings then beat Lewie Coyle and found Buendia inside the penalty area, only for the Argentine to fire well over from close range.
Hull came closest to scoring when Belloumi collected the ball following a corner and curled a wonderful effort against the crossbar.
Emery responded by introducing Alejandro Garnacho, Alysson and Matteo Ruggeri with 15 minutes remaining.
Tammy Abraham and Aaron Wan-Bissaka followed in the closing stages, but the changes failed to give Villa the attacking lift their manager wanted.
Stephen Warnock takes aim at 'disinterested' Alejandro Garnacho
Former Villa defender Stephen Warnock was unimpressed by the body language and impact of Garnacho and Abraham, particularly taking aim at the former for his 'disinterested' demeanor.
“You may as well take off Alejandro Garnacho and Tammy Abraham," Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"They have done nothing since they have come on the pitch.
"Garnacho going down. He looks completely disinterested. Unai Emery will be furious with his changes.”
Garnacho had been given little time to influence the match, but Warnock clearly expected far more urgency from a substitute entering a tight game.
The winger struggled to build an understanding with Ruggeri down the left and Villa’s final attacks lacked speed or invention.
Abraham had even less time after replacing Jackson in the 85th minute, although he was also unable to trouble Hull’s defence.
The final whistle left Villa with one point from three matches and no goals scored.
REUTERS/Willy KurniawanA clean sheet represented progress after conceding four at Brighton, but Emery will be concerned by another wasteful attacking display.
Villa spent heavily rebuilding their squad and now possess several forward options, including Jackson, Garnacho, Abraham, Alysson and Ibrahim Mbaye.
Finding a combination capable of turning possession into goals has quickly become Emery’s biggest challenge.
Warnock’s verdict underlined the frustration surrounding the substitutes, with Villa needing a far greater impact when they host Nottingham Forest next weekend.
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