Villa 'have to improve' defensively - Emery

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says the team cannot continue to concede goals at the rate that they are if they are to be successful.

Villa have kept just one clean-sheet in all competitions so far this season and that came in the 3-0 win over Young Boys in their Champions League opener.

"We are not defending like last year. It’s not for the defenders, the goalkeeper, it’s for everyone," Emery explained.

"The first defenders are the strikers and the first attacking player is the goalkeeper.

"We have to improve because we cannot concede the goals we are conceding each match we are playing. I believe in our work but we are conceding more goals than normal."

A second Champions League clean-sheet for Villa will mean keeping out England striker Harry Kane if he overcomes an ankle injury to feature.

When asked about the plan to stop Kane, Emery added: "We analyse the tactical areas collectively and then you have to stop the players.

"He knows us and we know him but his capacity and potential will be on the pitch.

"They have two strong centre-backs, good midfielders, good wingers and we have to stop them collectively and individually. There will be a lot of duels. We have to be alert and focused."