Harvey Elliott showed maturity in accepting Unai Emery’s recent criticism as he returned to the Aston Villa lineup, before being substituted at half-time in a 3-1 win.Elliott’s start to life at Villa has not been straightforward, as though he scored their first goal of the season he has found himself out of starting contention.That came with Emery criticising his tendency to play quick passes behind the defence following a 1-1 draw away to Sunderland last weekend.But restored to the lineup for the visit of Fulham on Sunday, the 22-year-old spoke with humility in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports.?? "I took no offence to it"Harvey Elliott on Unai Emery's comments about him ? pic.twitter.com/nORJupD0Xm— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 28, 2025“The comments are always going to come. For me I just take it in my stride,” Elliott said.“I listen to what he has to say and I try to apply it in my game.“It’s a completely different team, different style of play and Unai’s been incredible in what he’s achieved so far in his career.“For me personally, to be playing under him and working under him, trying to learn off him, everything he says I have to take in my stride, have to listen. It’s down to me to apply it.“I took no offence to it. I knew myself in that game that some things were forced by myself and for me it’s an opportunity now to put it right, try to take what he’s said and put it into today’s game.”Unfortunately, Elliott was then substituted at half-time in his first Premier League start since joining Villa on an initial loan which will become permanent in the summer.Having started in the No. 10 role – as one of six changes to the side from the 1-0 win over Bologna he went unused for in midweek – he was then replaced by Emi Buendia at the break.Villa were being held at 1-1 by Fulham at the time but went on to secure a 3-1 victory – their first of the league campaign – with Elliott off the pitch.Explaining his decision, Emery said: “He needs to adapt in everything, but I changed him not because he was playing bad.“He was playing good, but I changed him thinking about the energy Emi Buendia gives us in that moment, and his skills as well.“He has to continue working, preparing and adapting of us, understanding everything, then using our quality in his structure.”Elliott’s move to Villa will be made permanent once he makes 10 appearances for the club – he is currently on four – with a fee of £35 million to be paid next summer.