Emery tells Villa's summer signings to keep their composure

Unai Emery has told Aston Villa's summer recruits to rein in their emotions after noticing a pattern of indiscipline early in the season. Both the Express & Star and BirminghamWorld report that the head coach has watched several players lose their composure during the opening weeks of the campaign and wants the issue resolved quickly.

Villa have overhauled their squad since the transfer window opened in July, bringing in nine players before business closed on 1 September. Arrivals such as Leon Goretzka, Nicolas Jackson, Alejandro Garnacho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Taylor Harwood-Bellis have all been thrown into competitive action almost immediately, while Ibrahim Mbaye, Matteo Ruggeri, Zion Suzuki and Johan Manzambi have also joined the club.

Integrating that many new faces at once inevitably brings friction, and Emery appears keen to ensure the adjustment period does not cost his team unnecessary fouls, cards or lapses in concentration. The message is directed specifically at those still finding their feet in English football and the rhythms of his system.

Villa enter the weekend in mixed form. A 3-1 Carabao Cup win at Coventry City on Wednesday night provided some momentum, but the side suffered a 2-1 Premier League defeat at home to Nottingham Forest last Saturday and drew 0-0 with Hull City the week before. They did, however, secure a 3-2 Champions League victory away at Club Brugge earlier in the month.

Emery will expect a calmer, more controlled performance when Villa visit Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 UK time, and the manager will be watching closely to see whether his newest players have taken the instruction on board.