Villa's FA Cup Drought
Aston Villa's entire squad has left their manager, Unai Emery, in shock after it was revealed that none of the players have won an FA Cup tie for the club. The last time Villa won the prestigious competition was back in 1957, and their recent record has been far from impressive.
Emery's Roll Call
In an attempt to motivate his squad, Emery held a roll call where he asked each player to reveal their cup-winning experiences. The manager, who has won the Europa League four times and numerous domestic trophies, emphasized the importance of winning the FA Cup and the prestige it brings.
Raising Their Cup Game
Villa will need to significantly improve their performance in the FA Cup if they want to have a chance of winning the trophy this season. Emery acknowledged the tough competition they face but also highlighted the motivation that comes with being in a top spot in the Premier League.
Breaking the Curse
John McGinn, who has been with Villa since 2018, confessed that he has been knocked out at the third-round stage in every FA Cup season since joining the club. However, he expressed his desire to break that record and help his team succeed in the competition. Villa's upcoming match against Middlesbrough will provide them with a chance to prove themselves.
A Long Wait
The last time Villa faced Middlesbrough in the FA Cup was 67 years ago, which also happens to be the last time Villa won the competition. Emery will be hoping that history repeats itself as his team aims to end their FA Cup drought.