Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
PSG won the UEFA Super Cup for a second straight year, edging Aston Villa 2-1. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring before Brian Madjo equalised, and Desire Doué’s goal was confirmed after a VAR check.
Tammy Abraham has rejoined Aston Villa in a €21m deal via Besiktas, giving Unai Emery a proven striking option as the club pursues Premier League title ambitions.
Aston Villa have made a fresh loan enquiry for Douglas Luiz, who is open to returning from Nottingham Forest, as Unai Emery seeks midfield cover amid injuries and a Premier League title push.
Stumbles by Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa have reopened the Premier League title race, with Manchester United edging back into contention and inconsistency at the top turning every round into a key test.
World Cup winner Emiliano Martínez remains Aston Villa’s No 1, but recent errors, a failed Manchester United move and summer review plans leave his long-term future at Villa Park uncertain.
Morgan Rogers scored twice as Aston Villa beat Manchester United 2-1, securing a 10th straight win and strengthening their Premier League title push while Unai Emery urges caution.
Calm and measured in interviews, the Spaniard on the touchline is a different animal, a volcanic presence whose fury and exacting demands helped turn a 2-0 hole at Brighton into a breathless 4-3 victory that catapulted Villa into the Premier League’s top three.
After a quiet first 45 minutes, Zirkzee struck a smart equaliser from a tight angle and then rose to win the aerial duel that led to the free-kick from which Mason Mount curled home the winner.
Anyone saying this would be seen as insane just a few weeks ago, as what was improbable just a few weeks ago is now reality. A collapse at Liverpool is a stark possibility.
With Haaland misfiring and chances scarce, the wider problem was exposed: City’s supporting cast did not step up.
Villa led early through Evann Guessand, but squandered several chances before conceding a leveler just before half-time.
At this stage it is not clear whether Monchi has been sacked or it is his decision to leave.
UEFA said the clubs had not complied with its football earnings rule, while Chelsea and Villa were also penalized for breaching the squad cost rule laid by the governing body
Manchester City look to add three more points to their Premier League total on Saturday at Goodison Park against Everton, who are aiming to end the season on a high.
Emery knows that his side will need to be at their absolute best when they take on his former side.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is happy with the result and believes his team is good enough to win it all.
Villa will face a tough task at PSG if they are to take anything of consequence back home.