Unai Emery was adamant that playing between two Champions League games would never affect his team’s intensity, although there is clearly a good time to catch Aston Villa this season. They have now failed to win in the last six matches after playing in Europe.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "They were pushing and got into our box and scored one goal. We didn't feel strong or the fresh legs to recover or dominate or try to score. "We have circumstances like the injury of Tyrone Mings and we don't have another proper centre-back."

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has picked his side to face AS Monaco in the Champions League this evening (5:45pm)

Follow live coverage as Aston Villa face West Ham United today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.

Starting lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League - Graham Potter has key absences to contend with