Is the North Stand rebuild affecting Aston Villa on the pitch?

Writer John Townley examines whether the ongoing North Stand redevelopment is impacting Aston Villa's home form following a 2-2 draw with Brentford. Unai Emery rejected the construction work as an excuse, maintaining that the club has a plan to improve and expand capacity. However, Townley argues that while blaming the stand is an easy way out, operating with three stands does not help the team's matchday atmosphere.

Townley notes that Villa's failure to dominate possession at Villa Park has further muted the crowd. Brentford manager Keith Andrews admitted that playing in a stadium missing a stand naturally dampens the environment. Townley concludes that Villa must regain control of home matches to revive the atmosphere ahead of four upcoming home fixtures this month.