OPPOSITION VIEW: ASTON VILLA

Sunderland host Aston Villa on Sunday, who haven't scored a single Premier League goal after four games. We spoke to Villa fan and YouTuber BenJonesFootball who explained what's gone wrong at the start of this campaign...

So, Villa are one of two teams who haven't won in the Premier League yet. What's been the story of your season so far?

It’s been a dismal start in front of goal this season, this has been caused by our lack of quality in the final third. You’ll notice most games we have more possession but never really create clear cut chances. Watkins and Rogers in particular are underperforming, the Rogers you saw for England last week is yet to be seen in a claret and blue shirt this season!

0 goals scored yet, but Harvey Elliott scored in the EFL Cup against Brentford. Could that be a turning point for Villa?

Any time a new signing scores it’s a positive thing, however we’re still not anywhere near where we should be chance creation wise. It’s going to take time for the front four to gel, especially with Elliott & Sancho joining so late.

Who (if anyone) has bee your best player so far?

I’d go for the ever reliable Tyrone Mings, we may not have scored a Premier League goal this season but we have kept two clean sheets. He’s pushed himself into the starting 11 ahead of Emery favourite Pau Torres, but without Torres we miss a good ball-playing CB. It’s been hard to choose a player but if it’s anyone it’s Tyrone Mings!

What are your thoughts on Unai Emery in the dugout?

Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa into a European regular over the last few seasons, a large part down to how he has done this is his man management - something you see clearly on matchday. He’s out of his technical area with the same passion we see in fellow Spaniards Pep and Arteta. His substitutions can be hit and miss, but he gets it right most of the time. He also relies on his entire team, keep an eye out for Austin McPhee to be conducting set pieces - attacking or defending!

What do you think of Sunderland's season so far?

It’s been, as I anticipated, far better than anyone gave them credit for! Firstly what a transfer window Sunderland have had, it’s been so long since a team has come up and actually gone for it in the market - prime example is getting Granit Xhaka instead of Jordan Henderson. The mix of youth and experience leaves the club with great balance across the pitch - we’ve seen this in the results this season. Big wins against Brentford and WHU, a good point against a very decent Palace side and a poor result against Burnley, which on another day could have left Sunderland unbeaten after four! Great start to the season with a lot more to come I feel.

Any players caught your eye in particular?

Xhaka of course has been fantastic, he’s a real leader and it will go down as one of Sunderland’s smartest signings this season. I’d like to also mention Diarra, this lad looks very good - one for the future but still performing well in the present. 

Are you coming to the match on Sunday?

I am unfortunately not making the trip up, but it should be a good turnout from the Villa boys - regardless of a poor start we’ll always be in good voice! 

What's your score prediction?

I’m going to go for a 1-1 draw, can’t see either team thumping two or three in personally. Goalscorer for Villa will be Watkins as I feel Villa will go more direct, suiting Ollie Watkins. As for Sunderland, I feel like Adingra off the left against Cash will be where Sunderland get in. He may not score but will be pivotal in the goal.

Finally, where do you reckon both sides will finish this campaign?

Villa looks like a mid table finish and a focus on European football. Sunderland will do what no team has done for years and that is beat the drop on the first season back, Villa did it all while back now and look at the heights we’ve got to now - Sunderland are here to stay, 16th finish overall!