Aston Villa’s recent progress in front of goal could not hide a familiar issue, as their penalty frustrations resurfaced in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League.
The defeat halted a five-match winning streak across all competitions and came after Emiliano Buendia’s 79th-minute penalty flew over the bar, denying the visitors a chance to retake the lead.
It was the sixth spot-kick Villa has squandered in the past year and the second in this European campaign, following Ollie Watkins’ earlier miss against Bologna. Those failures have proven costly in key moments, including their Carabao Cup exit to Brentford via a shootout.
Since the start of last season, no Premier League team has failed from the spot as often as Villa, who lead the unwanted list ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal, both on four missed penalties.
Unai Emery keeps calm amid recurring setbacks
Villa had started brightly in Deventer, going ahead through Evann Guessand after just four minutes and creating several chances to extend their advantage. However, missed opportunities were punished when the Dutch hosts equalized late in the first half before sealing a famous comeback victory.
Buendia, who had scored the decisive goal at Tottenham days earlier, looked lively throughout but could not continue his scoring streak. Despite not having taken a competitive penalty since December 2020, he assumed responsibility in the absence of Watkins, only to fire over.
Speaking afterwards, manager Unai Emery maintained composure, insisting the team would continue working to improve from 12 yards. “Today the responsibility was for Buendia,” he said. “Normally he has good numbers, but he missed. It can happen, and we must become more clinical in these moments.”
Emery confirmed the team’s designated takers remain clear — with Buendia, Jadon Sancho, John McGinn, and Morgan Rogers among them — adding that confidence and decision-making will be key to reversing their fortunes.
Specialists set to play a role in finding solutions
Among those expected to address Villa’s recurring penalty problems is Austin MacPhee, the club’s highly regarded set-piece coach. Appointed in 2021 under former manager Dean Smith, MacPhee continues to balance his duties at Villa with a role on Roberto Martinez’s Portugal staff.
His expertise could prove vital as the team seeks a consistent and confident approach from the spot, with Emery eager to instill greater composure and clarity in crucial moments.
Manchester United loanee Sancho, who last converted a penalty in February 2021 during his time at Borussia Dortmund, is one of the few in the squad with notable experience from 12 yards.
With key matches ahead in Europe and domestically, Villa’s ability to turn their penalty fortunes around may determine how far their revival under Emery can truly go.
