Buendía under pressure after goalless draw at Hull City
Football Insider argues the Argentine must be dropped for Tuesday's Champions League trip to Club Brugge following a flat performance in East Yorkshire.
Aston Villa were held to a goalless draw by newly promoted Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, extending a frustrating start to the season for Unai Emery’s side. The visitors managed only one shot on target throughout the contest, leaving the manager with difficult questions about his attacking options ahead of European football resuming this week.
Writing on 7 September, Football Insider argued that Emiliano Buendía was the most disappointing performer in East Yorkshire. Citing figures from Fotmob, the outlet noted the 29-year-old attempted two shots without finding the target, completed 68 per cent of his passes, failed to create a single chance for his teammates and recorded just two touches inside the opposition penalty area. He also lost all four of his aerial duels during the match.
The publication urged Emery to drop the Argentine midfielder for Tuesday’s Champions League tie away to Club Brugge, suggesting other players deserve an opportunity given the team’s ongoing inability to score. Football Insider added that there are unspecified behind-the-scenes issues at the club, though no further detail was provided.
Villa travel to Belgium knowing they won 3-1 at the Jan Breydelstadion when the sides last met in the competition. According to Opta’s supercomputer, Emery’s squad hold a marginal advantage heading into the latest encounter, with a 37.9 per cent probability of victory compared to 36.8 per cent for the hosts.
With the summer transfer window having closed on 1 September, the current attacking group must find a solution before Premier League clubs can trade again in January 2027. How Emery handles his selection for the Champions League fixture will offer an early indication of whether he shares the growing impatience around certain individuals in his squad.
