Emery, McGinn and Villa have been in this situation before, as they were pointless in the Premier League at this point last season and still 157 minutes from registering their first goal. However, they were able to shake off the slow start and qualify for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. Villa's goalless draw at Hull on Saturday was not the most absorbing display, but there were enough green shoots to trust Emery when he says he is confident they can again exceed expectations.
Villa face Club Brugge on Tuesday, hoping Europe will again ignite their season. Emery tends to double down on his methods in these moments, and the team has shown encouraging performances in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain and in training. With new signings such as Ibrahim Mbaye and Johan Manzambi starting to step up their fitness, Villa are looking to build momentum and get their confidence back.