This was the night Aston Villa lost a game but found two players. Their 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup featured breakout performances by 17-year-old striker Brian Madjo on debut and 19-year-old winger George Hemmings. Madjo broke Patrick Kluivert's 30-year record as the Super Cup's youngest goalscorer.

Emery personally pushed for Madjo's acquisition and has been impressed by his ability to take on information. The teenager was unstoppable, could have scored four in the first half. Hemmings showed energy and real quality. Emery remains enthused, citing Dortmund's 2024 final run as evidence of Villa's potential. New staff have been added, and the club is navigating financial rules.

Villa played through PSG, with Buendia impressing. PSG were at their limit. Emery was frustrated but encouraged. Supporters leave with heads held higher, the name of Madjo on their lips and growing optimism that Emery's Villa story has many more chapters.