Aston Villa picked up their first Champions League defeat of the season as Club Brugge earned a 1-0 win in Belgium.
Villa were unable to continue their 100% start in the Champions League as a bizarre penalty ultimately condemned them to a defeat.
In the second half, Tyrone Mings picked up the ball after a goal-kick which allowed Hans Vanaken to score from the spot.
While Mings was condemned for his ‘stupidity’ for giving away the penalty, Villa were also blasted for their overall performance on the night.
Aston Villa produced their ‘most concerning performance’ under Unai Emery in their defeat to Club Brugge
Against Club Brugge, Villa struggled to produce many clear chances. The hosts had five more shots than Unai Emery’s side with Emi Martinez forced to keep the visitors in the game during the first half.
On top of this, Villa only managed one shot on target with Jhon Duran unable to produce any magic from the bench upon his introduction.
This was noticed by The Athletic reporter Jacob Tanswell who gave a damning assessment of Villa’s performance at full-time.
He said: “The most concerning performance under Emery. #AVFC totally off it – lack of discipline, energy, forward-thinking and any sort of quality. Brugge won every single battle. No rally second half, Villa only got worse. Outdone in every department.”
Read more: How much Aston Villa will make from the Champions League this season.
Aston Villa need a reaction against Liverpool
Villa are clearly out of sorts. This is their third defeat in a row in all competitions, with each performance showing no signs of improvement.
On Saturday they face their toughest fixture yet as they travel to table-toppers Liverpool.
The last thing Villa need is another heavy defeat on the road just before the international break.
What Emery must ensure is that the club remain solid throughout and regain the discipline that they lost in Belgium.
That combined with some lethal finishing should ensure that a result is brought back to Birmingham before the two-week break.
