'I still have high hopes for Villa' - McNulty
An Aston Villa-related question was put to BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty in Monday's Q&A.
Matt asked: What's going wrong with Villa at the moment? Can't keep a clean sheet and haven't won a Premier League game in ages.
Phil answered: Hi, Matt. Villa are definitely going through a lull. They did salvage a draw against Crystal Palace but are now winless in their last six games across all competitions.
I have no doubt Unai Emery will find a solution as he is such a top-class coach, but perhaps Villa are suffering, as Newcastle United did when they finished in the top four, from the extra pressure and games involved with qualifying for the Champions League, especially under the new format.
Palace certainly exploited Villa’s high line, but that is how Emery plays. I still have high hopes for Villa this season.