Aston Villa secured their first victory of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bologna in the Europa League, easing early pressure on the squad and manager Unai Emery.
Aston Villa's wait for a first Premier League victory of the season continued on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by ten-man Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery described Emiliano Martinez's return to the starting lineup as "very good news" after the team drew 0-0 with Everton on Saturday.
Aston Villa have filed a formal complaint after what the club described as a "big mistake" by referee Thomas Bramall in their decisive 2-0 defeat to Manchester United - a result that ultimately cost them a Champions League spot.
Unai Emery has rejected the notion that Aston Villa's rise marks a shift in Premier League power, insisting Manchester United and Tottenham will remain major forces despite their troubled seasons.
Marcus Rashford's involvement in the remainder of Aston Villa's campaign is now in serious doubt after manager Unai Emery confirmed the forward is nursing a hamstring injury sustained earlier this week.