In the fifth round of the 2025-26 Premier League, Aston Villa drew 1-1 with newly promoted Sunderland away, and still failed to get their first win of the season.

Although Aston Villa took the lead after Sunderland had a player sent off early, the team failed to hold on to the advantage and was equalized by Sunderland. After the game, coach Unai Emery said frankly that the team's biggest problem was not the points, but the loss of identity.

In the post-match interview, Emery said: "We are disappointed and frustrated, not because of the result, but because of the way. With one more player, we should have won the game. But more importantly, we have to play our own style again. This style once made us successful, and we must get it back."

"Some players are still adapting to the team and our philosophy, and they need time. Others were here last year and they know how we want to build the team and what has made us successful over the past three years. That's the direction I'm going to get back to."

Since Emery took over, Villa has finished in the top seven of the Premier League for three consecutive years and qualified for European competitions. However, the new season has started poorly, with a winless streak after five matches. Emery frankly expressed his concerns: "I'm not worried about our position in the standings, but about the team not showing the ability to dominate games. We must become stronger both tactically and individually."

Regarding the upcoming Europa League group stage opener, Emery remains confident: "We are playing in the Premier League and also on the European stage. We need to maintain stability throughout the season, rebuild confidence and let the players find comfort in the game."