Stephen Warnock has criticised Alejandro Garnacho and Tammy Abraham after Aston Villa’s attacking substitutes failed to inspire a breakthrough in the goalless draw at Hull City.
Unai Emery’s side claimed their first Premier League point of the season at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, but remain without a goal after three matches. Villa had already been beaten by Brighton and Arsenal before being held by Hull.
Warnock questions Aston Villa changes
Former Villa defender Warnock was unimpressed by the impact of Garnacho and Abraham after they were introduced from the bench as Emery searched for a winning goal.
“You may as well take off Alejandro Garnacho and Tammy Abraham,” Warnock said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “They have done nothing since they have come on the pitch.
“Garnacho going down. He looks completely disinterested. Unai Emery will be furious with his changes.”
Garnacho was brought on to provide pace and direct running against a tiring Hull defence, while Abraham was expected to offer a focal point in the closing stages. Neither player was able to alter a match in which Villa struggled to create clear openings.
George Hemmings produced Villa’s first shot on target of the Premier League campaign, while Emiliano Buendia missed one of the visitors’ better chances as the stalemate continued.
Aston Villa’s goal problem deepens
The criticism of Garnacho and Abraham comes amid growing concern over Villa’s wider attacking form. Despite reshaping their forward options during the summer, Emery’s team have yet to find the net in the league this season.
That record has placed increased pressure on players introduced from the bench to make an immediate impact, particularly when Villa’s starting attack has been unable to unlock a well-organised defence.
Warnock’s assessment was directed at the substitutes, but Villa’s lack of creativity had been evident before either player entered the contest. Emery now needs greater movement, quicker combinations and more conviction from his entire forward line.
The point ended Villa’s losing start to the campaign, but did little to ease the pressure surrounding Emery or address the club’s most pressing problem.
