Ian Maatsen responds to Jadon Sancho's message as Aston Villa's wretched start to season continues
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(Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media, Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Wed 17 September 2025 8:55, UK
Jadon Sancho has shared a message with his teammates and supporters after Aston Villa crashed out of the EFL Cup following Tuesday’s defeat to Brentford l.
Unai Emery’s men drew 1-1 with Brentford on 16 September, but were ultimately beaten 4-2 by the Bees in a penalty shootout as their wretched start to the season continued.
Meanwhile, football finance expert Dan Plumley exclusively told Football Insider that Aston Villa will have to show restraint in the January transfer window, thanks to UEFA’s financial restrictions.
The West Midlands side endured a largely quiet summer window, despite the late additions of Sancho and Harvey Elliott.
Credit: Imago
After being named as an unused substitute when Aston Villa drew 0-0 with Everton on Saturday, 13 September, Sancho was handed his first start by Emery against Brentford in the Carabao Cup.
Taking to Instagram after the penalty shootout defeat to Keith Andrews’ men on 16 September, Sancho wrote: “Happy to make my debut.”
“Not the result we wanted but something to build on.”
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Sancho’s new Villa teammate Ian Maatsen commented with two red heart emojis.
Meanwhile, Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Birmingham City face obstacles in their pursuit of Villa’s Emi Buendia.
Aston Villa enjoyed a largely successful campaign last season, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and the FA Cup semi-finals.
Aston Villa’s last three resultsAll competitions 2025/26Crystal Palace (H)0-3 LEverton (A)0-0 DBrentford (A)1-1 D, Brentford won 4-2 on penaltiesVilla are in poor form
After coming relatively close to silverware last term, Villa are eager to continue progressing this season.
However, a quiet summer transfer window has hindered Emery, whose side have failed to score in four consecutive Premier League games.
Former club scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Aston Villa may have to sack Emery if their poor run of form continues.
The Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford has significantly diminished the 53-year-old’s chances of steering his club to silverware this season.
Therefore, Emery must steer Villa to victory in their Premier League encounter with newly promoted Sunderland on Sunday, 21 September.
A win at the Stadium of Light won’t be easy, though, as Regis Le Bris’ men have won both of their home games in the Premier League so far this season.
Meanwhile, football commentator Ian Darke has weighed in on Morgan Rogers’ poor start to the campaign in a Villa News exclusive.