Aston Villa’s 4-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, wasn’t just the worst performance of the season, but the worst under Unai Emery.
From the get-go, the set-up of the team from the manager was wrong, and whilst he has done a lot of things right, it’s something he has to take responsibility for.
But that’s where you leave it and move on, which is why Ahmed Elmohamady was keen for the Aston Villa fans to relax and ‘be positive’ with a lot of football to be played, as he posted on Twitter.
As you can imagine, fans are frustrated, annoyed and fearing the worst that Champions League football will not be delivered this season.
The target at the start of the campaign wasn’t to finish in the top four, it was to improve on the seventh-placed finish from the previous campaign and win the Europa Conference League.
But given how long Aston Villa have sat in fourth spot, then it’s hugely disappointing if it’s Europa League football next term.
Saying that, there are still ten Premier League games to go, including the big chance to win the Europa Conference League.
In a message of defiance, Ahmed Elmohamady was keen to tell those being negative to ‘get a grip’ and make sure Villa Park is ‘bouncing’ for the visit of Ajax on Thursday night.
Aftermath of the Tottenham defeat
“Seen a lot of negativity since (Tottenham),” said Elmohamady. “Honestly, just get a grip. Be positive. Long way to go and still a lot to play for.
“Big one on Thursday night. Make sure Villa Park is bouncing, like always.”
Reacting with a win
One thing the team has done very well all season long is reacting to a defeat with a win, whether it be in the Premier League, cup games or in Europe.
The team has always showcased that calmness and ability not to overreact.
That is going to be paramount on Thursday night against Ajax, as well as the Sunday game at West Ham United.
Yes, the players are going to feel fatigued from playing so much by the time the trip to the London Stadium comes about.
But it also needs to be noted that West Ham themselves are in Europe, so in that sense, we are in the same boat and tiredness can’t be used as an excuse.
