Unai Emery left frustrated as Aston Villa stunned by Go Ahead Eagles in Europa League shock

Unai Emery left frustrated as Aston Villa stunned by Go Ahead Eagles in Europa League shock

Villa arrived in the Netherlands on a five-match winning streak across all competitions, but their momentum came to a sudden halt as the hosts produced one of the biggest upsets in their European history.

Evann Guessand gave Villa the perfect start after just four minutes, slotting home after goalkeeper Jari De Busser could only parry Jadon Sancho's cross into his path for his first goal for the club since joining in the summer. Sancho impressed early on, forcing a save from De Busser after a jinking run, while Buendia later created a chance for Guessand, who dallied on a through-ball and was denied by the keeper from close range.

Despite Villa's dominance, Go Ahead Eagles levelled just before half-time. The Villa defence failed to deal with a floated free-kick and Mathis Suray saw his shot take a huge deflection before looping into the top corner.

The Dutch side then completed a remarkable turnaround midway through the second half when captain Mats Deijl controlled a cross from Joris Kramer with his chest before poking past Emiliano Martínez from close range to make it 2-1.

Emery reacted by making several substitutions, bringing on Morgan Rogers, Donyell Malen and John McGinn in a bid to salvage the game. Rogers crashed a cross-shot against the woodwork and later curled an effort inches wide.

Villa were awarded a late penalty in the 77th minute after Dean James handled the ball in the area. However, Buendia's spot-kick flew over the bar amid swirling wind and rain, compounding Villa's frustration.

Speaking after the match, Emery defended his side's performance but admitted his disappointment at the result.

"Today was a match we were dominating, we were creating chances, and we scored the first goal. We conceded a few chances to them and they were clinical," Emery said.

"They competed very well, defending fantastic. We tried with the penalty we had, but we missed it, and we have to accept it. I'm positive, but today I'm feeling disappointed and a little frustrated."

The defeat ended Villa's winning run and denied them a first back-to-back set of away victories in major European competition since 2008. Go Ahead Eagles, meanwhile, celebrated their most famous night, moving level on points with Villa in the group stage standings.

Villa return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host Manchester City, where Emery will be hoping for an immediate response from his players after a night to forget in Europe.

Related News

Nottingham Forest await key injury boosts ahead of Liverpool clash

Nottingham Forest await key injury boosts ahead of Liverpool clash

  • 20 hours ago

Nottingham Forest are set to receive a double injury boost ahead of their Premier League showdown with champions Liverpool after the international break, with both Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi expected to return to action.

James Garner's form sparks England talk as David Moyes hails Everton star's impact

James Garner's form sparks England talk as David Moyes hails Everton star's impact

  • 23 hours ago

David Moyes has praised James Garner for his outstanding form this season, saying the Everton midfielder is edging closer to an England call-up.

Daniel Farke eases Wilfried Gnonto back as Leeds manage fitness concerns

Daniel Farke eases Wilfried Gnonto back as Leeds manage fitness concerns

  • 1 day ago

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has provided a detailed update on the club's injury situation as the Whites head into the international break aiming to reset after a frustrating run of results.

Arne Slot eyes revival as favourable fixtures hand Liverpool route back to form

Arne Slot eyes revival as favourable fixtures hand Liverpool route back to form

  • 1 day ago

Arne Slot believes Liverpool's toughest spell of the season is now behind them, with a crucial run of winnable fixtures offering a chance to reignite their campaign after a heavy defeat to Manchester City.