Aston Villa's new Premier League campaign began with a jarring 4-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, but former Villa striker Peter Crouch insists that manager Unai Emery is more than capable of steadying the ship and delivering sustained success over the long term.

The opening-day hammering came just months after one of the club's finest recent seasons — one in which Emery guided Villa to a UEFA Europa League title and a top-four Premier League finish, earning a return to UEFA Champions League football.

Watkins situation adds to the uncertainty

Compounding the difficult start, questions swirled around striker Ollie Watkins after he was absent from the matchday squad against Brighton. When pressed on the matter, Emery gave a guarded response, suggesting the omission was