Aston Villa star Tyrone Mings has set out a clear ambition for the club: ending their long wait for a major trophy. Speaking ahead of Villa’s Carabao Cup third-round tie at Brentford on Tuesday, the centre-back stressed that silverware is no longer just a dream but a necessity for Unai Emery’s squad.
Villa have not lifted a major trophy since their 1996 League Cup triumph, though recent years have brought near misses. Under Emery, the club reached the FA Cup semi-finals and enjoyed a strong run in the UEFA Champions League. Mings himself was part of the side that made the Carabao Cup final in 2020 under Dean Smith, only to fall short against Manchester City.
The 32-year-old defender, who signed a new contract in the summer, says the squad must embrace the challenge of fighting on multiple fronts this season. “Silverware has to be the goal,” Mings told reporters. For him, Villa’s European return only adds urgency: competing in both the Carabao Cup and Europa League should be seen as opportunities, not distractions.
But can Villa finally take the next step under Emery? With just two points from their opening four Premier League games and no goals scored yet this season, the pressure is mounting. For Mings, the Carabao Cup tie at Brentford is the perfect stage to spark momentum.
Tyrone Mings sets Aston Villa silverware challenge
Mings’ rallying call reflects both his personal commitment and the wider expectations at Villa Park.
“Hopefully, we can go far in as many different competitions as possible, and silverware has to be the goal.” — Tyrone Mings
He emphasised his pride in wearing the shirt and desire to keep driving the club forward. With the defender one of Villa’s longest-serving players, his words carry weight in the dressing room. The challenge now is to translate that mentality into consistent performances.
Aston Villa 2025/26 season snapshot
| Competition | Record |
|---|---|
| Premier League | 4 games, 0 goals, 2 points |
| Carabao Cup | Entering Round 3 vs Brentford |
| Europa League | Group stage starts vs Bologna (25 Sept) |
source: BBC Sport & Sky Sports – 15 September 2025
Despite a poor domestic start, Villa’s season remains full of promise. Success in cup competitions could shift the mood quickly, particularly if Emery’s men rediscover their scoring touch.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William argues Villa must embrace the Carabao Cup as a realistic route to success:
“Unai Emery has delivered consistency in Europe, but Villa’s league form has faltered. The Carabao Cup is arguably their best chance of silverware this season. Mings is right to demand more. His leadership will be crucial, especially with the team struggling for goals and confidence. Brentford away is no easy tie, but victory there could reset the tone of their season.”
William added that Villa’s depth will be tested, but cup runs can galvanise squads: “The players need to use these competitions as springboards, especially with Bologna on the horizon in the Europa League.”
Key insights
- Tyrone Mings says silverware must be Aston Villa’s goal this season.
- Villa have not won a major trophy since 1996.
- The club reached the Carabao Cup final in 2020 and FA Cup/Conference League semi-finals more recently.
- Emery’s side have struggled in the league so far, with no goals in four games.
- Mings insists Villa must seize opportunities in every competition.
What’s next for Aston Villa
Villa face Brentford away on Tuesday, 16 September, in the Carabao Cup third round. A win could restore belief ahead of their Premier League match against Sunderland and Europa League opener against Bologna on Thursday, 25 September.
For Mings and his teammates, this week could define their season’s momentum. Success in knockout competitions would validate Emery’s project and finally bring the silverware Villa supporters crave.
👉 Can Aston Villa finally end their 29-year trophy drought under Unai Emery?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 15 Sep 2025 18:59
It’s good to have goals but you’ve got to be realistic., you’ve to score goals and create chances…
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