Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has faced backlash for a pivotal substitution that many believe cost his team a chance at overturning their Champions League deficit against Paris Saint-Germain.
After losing 3-1 in the first leg, Villa needed a heroic performance at home to keep their semi-final dreams alive. However, PSG quickly extended their aggregate lead with early goals from Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, putting the tie seemingly out of reach.
A spirited fightback saw Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, and Ezri Konsa score to bring Villa within striking distance, but Gianluigi Donnarumma’s brilliance in goal ensured PSG’s progression to their third Champions League semi-final in five years.
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, was Villa’s standout attacker—creating Konsa’s goal with a dazzling run and assist before nearly setting up another moments later. Yet, with 15 minutes left and Villa chasing an equalizer, Emery substituted Rashford for Ollie Watkins, a decision that baffled pundits and fans alike.
Former Villa defender Stephen Warnock was particularly vocal, saying, “I don’t understand Emery’s call—Rashford was exceptional. He was involved in every dangerous attack, and removing him killed our momentum. When you need a goal, why take off your most threatening forward?”
French journalist Julien Laurens echoed the sentiment, admitting, “As a PSG supporter, I was relieved to see Rashford subbed off. It didn’t make sense tactically.”
Despite the criticism, Rashford’s resurgence at Villa has been a silver lining after a difficult spell at Manchester United. When asked about the possibility of signing him permanently, Emery remained coy, stating, “It’s too early to say. He’s happy here, and we’re happy with him. But next season depends on many factors.”
While Villa fell just short of a historic comeback, Emery’s late-game management will undoubtedly be scrutinized as a key reason for their elimination.
