Emery's hunt for the right wingman

ASTON Villa's problem position was evident in their 0-0 stalemate at Crystal Palace.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

Guessand down the Villa right

In fact, not since Leon Bailey played the best football of his career on the right wing two seasons ago has Unai Emery consistently fielded a real threat in that area of the pitch.

Against Palace, it was Jadon Sancho who was trusted to create and cause problems against Tyrick Mitchell, but he failed to do so. Bright cameos off the bench against Arsenal and then Chelsea last month are all the Manchester United loanee has really contributed while on loan at Villa so far this season.

Too often the winger turned back or lacked the confidence to take on his man, perhaps knowing he'd be easily defended against.

The same can be said for Evann Guessand, too.

Currently away at AFCON representing Ivory Coast, Villa’s summer signing from Nice has also struggled for form this term.

Although he has found the net twice - unlike Sancho, who is yet to open his account in claret and blue - Guessand is still trying to find his feet in the Premier League and adapt to Emery’s structure.