Unai Emery’s expression of anger, coupled with an urgent review of Aston Villa’s early-season struggles, was what dragged the club back on course.

Villa had failed to win any of their opening six matches across all competitions before going on to win six of their next seven ahead of facing Liverpool on Saturday night.

When Matty Cash scored Villa’s first league goal at the Stadium of Light in the 67th minute six weeks ago, it looked for all the world as though Emery’s side would claim their first win at the sixth attempt.

However, their 10-man opponents hit back with an equaliser - a goal that prompted Emery to blast his players. He criticised their attitude, labelling the defending “lazy” and saying his team lacked an identity on the pitch.

That proved to be the tipping point for Villa. To their credit, Emery’s players responded in the perfect way, winning their next five games in all competitions.

Even after suffering a shock defeat to Go Ahead Eagles, Villa bounced back to beat Manchester City at Villa Park...