A senior Aston Villa executive has launched a stinging public critique of the Premier League, accusing the competition of showing favouritism in its demanding Christmas schedule. The controversy centres on Villa having to play two away matches in just 72 hours, while several of the division's traditional 'big six' clubs enjoy consecutive home games.
Villa's Director Questions 'Mystery' Scheduling
Damian Vidagany, the club's Director of Football Operations, took to social media platform X to voice his and manager Unai Emery's bewilderment. His primary grievance is that Villa are set to play a match from the second half of the season before completing matchday 19 of the first half, a situation he claims the Premier League has failed to explain clearly.
"I asked to EPL people and they didn't tell us. So it is a mystery," Vidagany wrote. He pointedly suggested the schedule is "more convenient" for certain clubs that avoid travel during the notoriously busy festive period. This comes after Villa secured a 2-1 away win at Chelsea on Saturday, 28 December, with Ollie Watkins scoring twice after Joao Pedro's opener for the Blues.
The Contrast with 'Big Six' Clubs
The core of Villa's complaint lies in a direct comparison with other top-flight teams. While Villa travelled to Stamford Bridge in game week 18, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United all played at home. The disparity continues in game week 19.
Instead of hosting Nottingham Forest for their first meeting this season, Aston Villa must travel to the Emirates Stadium to face league leaders Arsenal on Tuesday, 31 December. This is despite having already played Mikel Arteta's side earlier in December. Meanwhile, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool all have another home fixture scheduled.
When an X user highlighted that Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool were all given two home games over Christmas, Vidagany responded sarcastically with a single word: "Random?" followed by a face-sticking-its-tongue-out emoji.
Emery's Frustration and High-Stakes Clash
Manager Unai Emery had already expressed his confusion to Mirror Football, stating, "The day 19 is not against Forest, which is the first half of the season. This is the only thing I don't understand." Vidagany's online comments explicitly backed his manager's stance.
The fixture congestion places Villa at a significant logistical and recovery disadvantage ahead of a crucial match. Arsenal currently top the table, three points ahead of third-place Villa, though goal difference means the Gunners would likely stay above Villa even in defeat. With Manchester City just one point behind Arsenal, the pressure on both sides is immense.
Vidagany concluded his remarks by insisting the tough schedule would "never be an excuse" for his team but stressed that playing twice at home is objectively better for player recovery. He also warned, "It would be a disgrace if the fixtures become a political territory," implying concerns over the integrity of the scheduling process. The Premier League has been approached for a response regarding these allegations.
