Villa's winless start puts Emery under pressure after Cup exit

Aston Villa remain without a Premier League goal after four matches and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, prolonging a wretched start to the season that has intensified scrutiny on manager Unai Emery. The Midlands club drew 0-0 at home with Everton on Saturday and then lost to Brentford on penalties after a 1-1 draw on September 16 at Gtech Community Stadium, leaving Villa with two points and questions about recruitment, fitness and tactics.

The cup tie produced Villa’s first goal of the campaign when Harvey Elliott converted after a goalkeeper error, but Aaron Hickey’s volley levelled the tie and Brentford prevailed 4-2 in the shootout. Emery applauded signs of progress, saying after the match, “We improved things. We played 90 minutes with good balance to dominate and creating chances. We scored one goal, positive.” Director of football operations Damian Vidagany urged supporters to retain perspective, calling the point at Everton “strengthening us and our spirit” and stressing the club’s recent progress.

Statistically the situation is stark. Villa have taken 40 shots this season with only 10 on target and an expected goals total of about 3.07, figures that...