Published: 20:01, 26 October 2025 | Updated: 20:01, 26 October 2025

Unai Emery has revealed why he left Harvey Elliott out of his squad for Aston Villa's brilliant win over Manchester City on Sunday - as the Liverpool midfielder continues to struggle for minutes during his loan spell.

Elliott has not started a game for Villa in almost a month and did not make it off the substitutes' bench for Emery in any of their last three matches. 

His last appearance came in a Europa League cameo on October 2, when he came off the bench in the 86th minute against Feyenoord with his side already 2-0 up.

And eyebrows were raised before the game - which Villa went on to win 1-0 thanks to a goal from Matty Cash - after he was overlooked for selection again. 

But Emery insisted the decision was tactical, saying after the game: 'In the squad we needed one player to take out but I decided him. I am happy with him, he's training well. His commitment is fantastic, he's a good guy. It was a...