There is no January exit clause in the season-long loan deal that took Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
As we enter a three-week international break, there is no better time to discuss the start of the 2026-27 season and Aston Villa's season so far.
Plus, there is plenty to talk over after Villa won their first Premier League game of the season at Tottenham on Saturday.
So what questions do you have about Villa? They could be on the squad, injury concerns, Unai Emery's tactics, the boardroom or a topic of your choice.
Our football reporter Nick Mashiter will be on hand to answer a selection next week.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you to rate Aston Villa's start to the Premier League season and tell us what Unai Emery should be focusing on during the extended international break.
Here are some of your comments:
Chay: With last season, I was worried that we were not having a good start and that these results would bite us at the end. But, with this season and Villa's 'bad start', I am not concerned considering that if Villa were to repeat last season, we would go on to have 13 wins in a row and win a cup at the end, preferably the Carabao Cup.
Darren: A shaky start to the season was totally understandable after selling off half the cup-winning team, but some sensible recruitment has built a squad with an eye on the future. We have amassed some really talented youngsters who will be the backbone of Villa for years to come. Emery is a genius and will concentrate on gelling the new boys and hopefully surpassing last season's success.
Keith: I have full confidence in our manager and believe he will get the team winning. We are not as strong as last season but, given time, we will get somewhere near. I think we may have to settle for mid-table.
Blaine: I feel like the first two games were really wake-up calls to our new players to try to get things fixed. I won't say it's been a steady improvement, but the bright spots are certainly there. We'll see if it holds. I'm judging this season by how we do from October to December rather than August to September.
Bill: Six Europa Cup winners leave, Uni Emery has a few weeks after the extended break from the World Cup to rebuild a squad that understand the system, structure and methods. Onana has a long-term injury, Torres a mid-term one and Maatsen unknown, yet despite all of this, more points than this time last year. Arsenal would have had several Premier League titles if they had not sacked him. I'm happy with the start and we can push on. Villa are in safe hands with Emery the best coach we have every had - although Ron Saunders comes a very close second.
Dan: Was always going to be difficult but we've ended on a high with some very promising performances from key new players. Three weeks to work on the new players who have stayed and for other key players to return from injury. Unai's had his 'now the season's started in earnest' trim. Premier League - be afraid... be very afraid!
Aston Villa want to tie midfielder Emi Buendia to a new contract as a reward for his outstanding form. (Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
As we enter the first international break, we want to hear your thoughts on the opening five games of the Premier League season.
Aston Villa's win at Tottenham on Saturday was huge for Unai Emery's side, marking their first victory of the league campaign and ensuring the do not go into the extended international break in the bottom three.
Despite a summer of change and a difficult start, there have been encouraging signs - including summer signing Johan Manzambi starting and scoring after his return from injury.
How do you rate the Villans' start to the season and why? And what will Emery be focusing on during the extended break?
Nick Mashiter
Football reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesAlejandro Garnacho had no future with Xabi Alonso's new-look Chelsea - he did not train with the squad before leaving for Aston Villa in July.
So the move to Villa Park suits all parties. Chelsea have the chance to make their money back on their outlay to sign him from Manchester United, Villa get an international winger and the player has a chance to revitalise a flailing career.
However that does not necessarily mean it will be a success.
There is an obligation to buy tied into the loan that is believed to relate to appearances, and it is expected to be achievable - but that does not guarantee anything.
For instance, Harvey Elliott would have triggered a move worth £35m if he made just 10 Premier League appearances last season. However the Liverpool loanee - now at Valencia - was used just four times by Villa in the top flight.
Emery did not feel the 23-year-old was good enough and decided he did not want to be obliged to sign Elliott permanently just a couple of months into the season.
It raised the question for some within the game about whether a loan at Villa should be viewed with caution, and whether other players' careers could be derailed in the way Elliott experienced.
It was accepted that Elliott's options this summer were not as extensive following his season of inactivity at Villa Park.
Time will tell whether Garnacho faces the same struggle, on the back of his career stalling over the past two years.
He made his Manchester United debut aged 17 and was part of Argentina's Copa America‑winning squad in 2024, but has not added to his eight international caps since November of that year.
The Madrid-born forward also won the Premier League's goal of the season award in 2023-24 for his overhead kick against Everton while playing for United, but his output for Chelsea was disappointing.
Emery is waiting to see if Garnacho fulfils his potential at Villa, but the winger will have to wait until he gains the coach's trust, and then take his chance.
Image source, Getty ImagesSpanish journalist Guillem Balague believes Unai Emery is the ideal manager to deal with Aston Villa's summer of change.
Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers - goalscorers in May's Europa League triumph - as well as Lucas Digne, Emi Martinez, Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa all left Villa Park during the transfer window.
Villa have replaced those established stars with generally younger players - but Balague believes the Spanish coach will relish the challenge.
He told BBC Radio West Midlands Sport: "I don't think anyone planned for Tielemans going or Digne going.
"Once it became clear that it was going to be a bigger change than expected, it's about adaptability. That's how he's always done it.
"Everybody started to realise at the end of last season, the Europa League was a target very early on.
"Everybody realised it was the end of an era. That there wouldn't be any more after that.
"The changes have been bigger than expected, yes. But Unai will always look around at the time of the market closing and go 'alright, let's go for it'."
Aston Villa attacking midfielder Alejandro Garnacho is being monitored by clubs in La Liga after struggling to make an impression at Villa Park following his summer loan switch from Chelsea. (Mail plus - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Aston Villa and Brighton and Aston Villa are both interested in Nacional's Paraguay Under-20 centre-back Mauro Coronel, 18. (Teamtalk), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Tottenham and Aston Villa.
Here are some of your comments:
Spurs fans
Anthony: Great players and no glue. You have to look at the spending and the homework done on the new squad. It's missing so much and yet it's not as far off as people are saying. The problem is time and it will run out by Christmas for the manager if the weak mentality is not addressed. We need lions, we've got lambs.
Jezza: It is a measure of how poor we have become that the only positive after five games is the fact that we have at last scored a goal! A shocking start to the season and an absolute indictment of our totally incompetent transfer strategy (if indeed there is a strategy) over several seasons. We have let talented young players leave, massively overpaid for new players, who are either average or permanently injured, and decided we don't need to invest in a striker who can actually score goals but instead will persist with those who have manifestly failed in that role. What an utter shambles!
Simon: Not a team and maybe never will be. So disappointing to see individuals on the pitch for Spurs, but no team. They look like they've never met before, despite the team meals and bonding.
Neil: Why did we spend £85m on Fernandes? A player we didn't need. Surely signing a dominant central striker was paramount. Solanke has been a poor signing and Marmoush isn't the answer. It's quite incredible that the lavish spending didn't address to the glaring 'goalscorer' chasm (even a forward that actually troubles opposition defenders)
Villa fans
Johnson: That was a great away performance from us, if we hadn't lost concentration and concede two cheap goals in the last 10 minutes. Suzuki deserved a clean sheet. Manzambi had a great game, so did Jackson. One to build on, especially with the international break coming handy to us. With Madjo, Goretzka and Torres back after that we should be in an even better position than recently.
Mike: Despite the nervy ending, we scored three goals, took three points and are going into the international break with our heads held high. I'll stick my neck out and say that in almost every position our new recruits were an improvement on their counterparts last season. This team is still some way from reaching its peak but the signs are that we can be a threat in all competitions. Ollie who?
Ian: Positive. There's the beginnings of a team here. Long term, Lindelof and Mings cannot be expected to play 90 minutes, and when Kamara and McGinn were substituted, we looked weak down the right flank. Suzuki was full throttle in the first half and would have been disappointed with conceding two, neither of which were particularly his fault. Jackson and Manzambi looked to be developing a good understanding of each other. Onwards and upwards!
Luyimbaazi: At last we have our first win of the Premier League campaign! The forward line did very well but Unai Emery has to address the shaky defence that almost allowed Spurs a comeback. I am going to stay largely positive. Three wonderful points in the bag. Hopefully we'll keep going after the international break.
Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesWhile Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson both scored, another Aston Villa new boy, Zion Suzuki, deserved as much credit as anyone for their first Premier League win of the season at struggling Tottenham.
The Japan goalkeeper made the move to Villa from Italian side Parma for a fee in the region of £30m in August.
And his performance against Spurs suggests he is more than capable of filling the very big boots vacated by the departure of Argentina number one - and fan favourite - Emiliano Martinez to Chelsea.
In particular, his two saves from Savio within seconds of each other and a moment of good fortune when Archie Gray's effort clipped wide off his foot, gave Villa the platform to ride out a period in the game when the hosts held sway.
Born in the United States to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother, Suzuki has already played in Japan, Belgium and Italy and won 28 caps for his country.
And speaking to BBC Sport in August, Dennis Rudel - his former coach at Sint-Truiden - stressed that Suzuki has the attributes to become one of the world's best in his position.
"It is possible if he stays healthy," said the former Union Berlin coach. "With his physical strength, there is no-one better in the world in terms of dynamic, jumping power, throws and kicking the ball.
"When I watched him at the World Cup [for Japan], his biggest strength was his mental clearness. His focus on the game or in training sessions is so good. He is always prepared and really disciplined.
"He is aiming to show he can be one of the best. He was immediately one of the top four or five goalkeepers in Serie A.
"As a person and as a player, he is a role model for how you should behave. I don't see any weakness in him."
"He has such big hands and he is powerful. When he can reach the ball, it is a 90-95% chance of a save. It is something really special."
Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer praises the performance of Aston Villa's Nicolas Jackson, saying Tottenham's centre-halves "couldn't keep up" with the 25-year-old striker.
Aston Villa starting XI:
Zion Suzuki: Kept Villa level with saves from Savio and Archie Gray in the first half. A fine performance but his usually excellent distribution let him down. 8
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: The right-back has struggled to adapt quickly under Unai Emery. One slip almost cost Villa a goal and was little surprise he was withdrawn at half-time. 5
Tyrone Mings: Lost the ball several times as Villa played out from the back but rediscovered his composure after the break. 6
Victor Lindelof: Relatively untroubled in the second half after needing to be alert to Spurs' early threat. Once that died down, it was a comfortable afternoon. 7
Matteo Ruggeri: A full Premier League debut for the left-back but he did not look convincing as he tries to understand what is needed by Emery. 6
Joao Gomes: In his first Premier League appearance after his opening-weekend dismissal, the midfielder was solid and able to protect Villa's lead. 7
Boubacar Kamara: It was the midfielder's shot which fell into the path of Manzambi to score, and he was able to keep Villa moving. 7
John McGinn: His tenacity was rewarded as he seized on Robertson's error to help set up Manzambi's goal. A typically dynamic display. 7
Emi Buendia: The forward loves a goal at Tottenham and scored the pick of the bunch when he found the top corner from 25 yards to seal it. 7
Johan Manzambi: A goal and an assist on his full debut for Villa as he grew into the game after a slow start when Tottenham dominated. More will be expected once he settles in. 8
Nicolas Jackson: Isolated for long spells in the first half but got his goal in the second and was a nuisance. Had earlier forced Kinsky into a smart save. 7
Aston Villa substitutes:
Matty Cash (on 46, Wan-Bissaka): The right-back returned from injury to help strengthen Villa's defence. 7
George Hemmings (on 72, Manzambi): Helped Villa to a comfortable win.
Ibrahim Mbaye (on 84, Kamara).
Ross Barkley (on 84, McGinn).
Unused subs:
Wright, Bogarde, Abraham, Garnacho, Harwood-Bellis.
Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesGiven that the Aston Villa side that triumphed in the Europa League final has been ripped apart, boss Unai Emery will be delighted by the way his rebuild is starting to take shape.
With victories over Club Brugge in the Champions League and Coventry City in the Carabao Cup secured, his Villa team finally got off the mark in the Premier League.
And three players signed to replace some of the heroes from that night in Istanbul in May delivered for him against Spurs.
Keeper Zion Suzuki gave a performance brimming with promise, making several excellent saves and showing composure with the ball at his feet - on this form he appears a more than adequate replacement for Emiliano Martinez.
Johan Manzambi provided energy and threat playing behind Nicolas Jackson, who led the line in fine fashion and deserved his goal against opponents he simply loves scoring against.
A fifth of the Senegal forward's 25 goals in the English top flight have now come against Spurs.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We were challenged in this match in the level we want to be and how they demanded that of us. It was a very demanding match.
"How we planned this match and the response of the players was fantastic. We defended with resilience. We waited for our moment to threaten them, and we were clinical."
On Nicolas Jackson's performance: "He is understanding of how we can exploit his quality better and his positioning. We also need runners on the field who are able to help us run in behind."
Listen to Emery speaking to BBC Radio WM here
Five of Nicolas Jackson's 25 Premier League goals have come against Tottenham, netting more against Spurs in the competition than any other side.
Since the start of last season, only Dominik Szoboszlai (eight) has scored more goals from outside the penalty area among Premier League players in all competitions than Emiliano Buendía (six).
Johan Manzambi (20y 240d) is the third-youngest player to score on their first Premier League start for Aston Villa behind Gabriel Agbonlahor v Everton in March 2006 (19 years 156 days) and Carlton Cole v Southampton in August 2004 (20 years and 307 days) and just the second Villan to both score and assist on their first Premier League start after Kevin Phillips against Bolton Wanderers in August 2005.
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Tottenham's performance
What did you make of Aston Villa's display?
Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.
There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Tottenham v Aston Villa (12:30)
Brighton v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Everton v Ipswich
Newcastle v Hull City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2
Nottingham Forest v Coventry (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.
Follow all of the action and reaction here
How to follow the Premier League weekend across the BBC
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Arsenal" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Newcastle match", for example.
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
Image source, BBC SportNew this season: Match of the Day Predictor
Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.
Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.
You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link
Emery: 'We are absolutely delighted' Audio, 5 minutes
Unai Emery speaks after win at Spurs.
Emery: 'Some players need time to adapt to us' Audio, 17 minutes
Villa boss Unai Emery says patience is key ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur game.
Emery: 'We performed fantastic' Audio, 3 minutes
The Villa manager looks back at the win over Coventry in the Carabao Cup.
Spink: Suzuki 'will grow but needs time' Audio, 2 minutes
Villa legend Nigel Spink has his say on the club's new number one, Zion Suzuki.
