Aston Villa; from relegation battle to title contenders

• Aston Villa defeated Arsenal 1-0 last Saturday to climb to third in the Premier League table
• Villa are just two points behind leaders Liverpool after 16 rounds of matches this season
• Unai Emery’s side have also gone on a staggering 15 consecutive home matches in the Premier League

Aston Villa are just two points away from the Premier League summit after a crucial victory over Arsenal last Saturday. The 1-0 triumph not only showcased Villa boss Unai Emery getting the better of his former club but also extended their exceptional winning streak at home to an impressive 15 games. As the footballing world takes notice, it’s essential to dissect the elements contributing to Villa’s remarkable rise under Unai Emery and assess their prospects as unexpected title contenders.

When Unai Emery assumed the managerial reins at Villa Park in November of the previous year, succeeding Steven Gerrard, the club was at a crossroads that could have led to a potential relegation battle. Emery, however, orchestrated a turnaround that propelled Villa to a seventh-place finish in the previous season, securing qualification for the Europa Conference League. The current campaign has seen even more improvement, with Emery overseeing an impressive 26 wins in 41 Premier League games since his arrival.

Aston Villa midfielder Jon McGinn celebrates after scoring the winner against Arsenal in a Premier League clash on Saturday, December 9, 2023. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |

Key to any team eyeing success at the top is the presence of a prolific goalscorer, and Villa can boast of having Ollie Watkins in that role. Under Emery’s tutelage, Watkins has flourished, contributing eight Premier League goals and six assists in the current season. The 27-year-old not only consistently finds the back of the net but has also earned recognition as Harry Kane’s backup in the England squad – a testament to his growing influence on the international stage.

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Emery’s impact extends beyond individual player performances, with several squad members experiencing significant improvements under his management. Figures like Ezri Konsa, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, and Watkins himself have notably elevated their game. Moreover, Villa’s astute summer signings, including Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans, and Moussa Diaby, have seamlessly integrated into the squad, playing pivotal roles in the team’s overall advancement. The presence of World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez, recently crowned the world’s best goalkeeper at the Ballon D’Or ceremony, adds further solidity to Villa’s defensive setup.

One of Villa’s standout achievements contributing to their ascent is their flawless home record. Since their 4-2 defeat to Arsenal in February, Villa has secured victory in all 15 Premier League home games – a club-record run that positions them as genuine contenders at this stage of the season. Notably, within the span of four days, Villa clinched victories against reigning champions Manchester City and last season’s runners-up Arsenal, signaling their capability to compete with the league’s elite.

As we look ahead, Villa faces an opportune chance to extend their home-winning streak with upcoming matches against relegation-threatened Sheffield United and Burnley. Following these fixtures, they embark on a trip to face Brentford and the final game of their Europa Conference League group, where securing a point will be sufficient to progress as group winners. The festive period includes a Boxing Day clash with Manchester United, and given Old Trafford’s diminished fortress status, Villa approaches the fixture with a sense of optimism.

The synergy between Emery’s tactical acumen, player development, and strategic summer signings has propelled Aston Villa from mid-table considerations to a genuine force in the title race. While Emery and his players remain cautious about prematurely entertaining talk of a surprise title run, the narrative surrounding Villa has shifted from potential relegation struggles to a captivating challenge at the summit. As the season unfolds, football enthusiasts worldwide will be closely monitoring Aston Villa’s journey, intrigued by the prospect of witnessing a historic ascent under Unai Emery’s guidance.

In conclusion, Aston Villa’s surge under Unai Emery defies conventional expectations, and their unexpected title contention adds a layer of excitement to a Premier League season filled with surprises. Emery’s transformative impact, coupled with the team’s collective improvement, sets the stage for a compelling narrative that football fans will undoubtedly follow with keen interest.