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Unai Emery has explained the reasons why he omitted Harvey Elliott from Aston Villa’s matchday squad against Manchester City on Sunday.
The Liverpool loanee’s start to life at Villa Park hit a new low as he was left out of the 20-man squad altogether on Sunday afternoon. Villa had just two injuries prior to the game, hence the stiff competition for a spot in the roster.
Elliott has played just 167 minutes since joining the Villans on loan, a deal that includes an obligation to buy at the end of the season. He has started just once in the Premier League and hasn’t featured in any of Villa’s last four games. Even in midweek, when Emery named a weakened side for a Europa League match against Go Ahead Eagles, the 22-year-old was an unused substitute.
Sunday’s exclusion compounded the matter, after Emery in midweek admitted Elliott’s performances have not impressed him so far.
“I explained it two days ago in the press conference,” the Spaniard said after Villa’s 1-0 win over City on Sunday.
“He is training well, and he played some matches, but the performances weren't what we needed.
“Some players are playing as a no.10, and they are playing well, like [Emiliano] Buendia and [Morgan] Rogers, also Ross Barkley after he was out.
“In the squad today we needed to take one player out, and I decided for him. I am happy with him. He is training good. His commitment is fantastic and he is a good guy. Only tactical decision.
“I spoke with him about it and my advice was to keep going. He's a very good player, only our demands are at a high level and some players and how they are performing last year and this year, are playing in the same position. We signed him because I believe in him. He will need time.”
Elliott’s lack of playing opportunities comes after a difficult 2024/25 season for Liverpool, in which he didn’t start a Premier League match until the title was secured.
The midfielder impressed off the bench at times last term but failed to make an impression on the rare occasions he started.
Elliott joined Villa on transfer deadline day, and reports have since claimed that Emery did not consider him a priority addition.
The ex-Fulham man will also miss Villa’s next game, which comes at Anfield. Elliott is ineligible to play against his parent club.
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