Aston Villa is currently enjoying one of the best periods in its Premier League history. The club have won 9 consecutive matches and 15 of their last 17 games across competitions. During this run, Villa have defeated top sides including Tottenham, Manchester City, and most recently Arsenal, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory at Villa Park.
In his 5th season with the club, Unai Emery has guided Aston Villa to a 63% win rate after 16 league matches. The Villains now sit 3rd in the Premier League with 33 points, just 3 points behind leaders Arsenal.
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A Difficult Start to the Season
Villa’s current position makes their early-season struggles even more striking. The Birmingham side failed to win any of their first 5 Premier League matches, recording 3 draws and 2 defeats. Performances lacked cohesion, and confidence appeared fragile during the opening weeks.
Monchi’s Resignation and Transfer Turmoil
The situation worsened off the pitch with the resignation of sporting director Giuliano Monchi, who left the club after 2 years. Despite overseeing Aston Villa’s return to the UEFA Champions League and consistent European qualification, Monchi departed following internal disagreements.
Criticism focused heavily on the most recent transfer window. Operating under Financial Fair Play restrictions, Aston Villa were forced to sell before buying. The club sold Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle for €45 million and Barrenechea to Benfica for €3 million, alongside several loan exits.
With limited funds available, Unai Emery approved the signing of Evann Guessand from Nice for €30 million, added Victor Lindelöf on a free transfer, and completed the window with two loan deals: Harvey Elliott from Liverpool and Jadon Sancho from Manchester United.
These final two moves drew criticism from both the club hierarchy and supporters, who expected the limited resources to be invested differently. Emery’s subsequent decisions appear to have justified those concerns. Elliott has not featured since 5 December and has not been called up for Villa’s last 6 Premier League matches, while Sancho has struggled to secure regular minutes.
The Turning Point Under Emery
Following Monchi’s resignation, rumours suggested Unai Emery himself was close to stepping down. That turning point never came.
Instead, Villa’s season changed course during a Europa League match against Bologna. The Villans delivered a resilient performance and secured victory, restoring belief within the squad.
From that moment, Aston Villa surged forward. They won 10 of their next 11 Premier League matches, losing only to Liverpool, and claimed 4 wins from 5 Europa League games. Overall, Villa recorded 14 wins in their last 16 matches, marking one of the most impressive runs in Europe.
Emery’s Tactical Identity and Leadership
The 54-year-old Spaniard, Unai Emery, has successfully unified a squad that once looked unsettled. During his time at Aston Villa, he has recorded 91 wins, 29 draws, and 43 defeats across 163 matches in charge. He stayed true to his footballing principles, demanding a vertical, aggressive, and high-intensity style of play. Aston Villa now attack with purpose and defend with discipline, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league.
The belief inside Villa Park reached new heights with the dramatic 2–1 win over Arsenal, sealed by a late Emiliano Buendía goal. The intensity of Villa’s performance left little doubt about the result, as the crowd sensed victory long before the final whistle.
Considering Villa’s limited transfer spending compared to their rivals, this achievement borders on extraordinary.
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Morgan Rogers’ Breakout Season
One of the key figures behind Aston Villa’s rise is Morgan Rogers. The 2002-born attacking midfielder has enjoyed a breakthrough season, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists in 13 Premier League appearances.
A product of Manchester City’s academy, Rogers combines power, dribbling, long-range shooting, and physical presence. While these qualities were visible in previous seasons, his biggest improvement has been mental. Even on quieter days, he finds decisive moments to influence matches, making him a vital player in Emery’s system.
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What Comes Next for Aston Villa?
Unai Emery’s side will aim to surpass their own 2023-24 Premier League record, when Aston Villa collected 68 points after 38 league matches, recording 20 wins across the season. With their current form and momentum, the Villans have a strong opportunity to raise that benchmark and push for an even higher finish this time around.
FAQs
1. Are Aston Villa genuine Premier League title contenders this season?
Yes. Aston Villa sit 3rd in the table with 33 points after 16 matches, having won 15 of their last 17 games, including victories over Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham.
2. How has Unai Emery transformed Aston Villa?
Unai Emery has unified the squad, improved intensity and structure, and delivered consistent results. He holds a 63% win rate this season and 91 wins in 163 matches overall as Villa manager.
3. When did Aston Villa last win the English top flight?
Aston Villa last won the English league title in the 1980–81 season. They have never won the Premier League since its launch in 1992.
4. What is Aston Villa’s target this season?
Villa aim to surpass Emery’s 2023–24 total of 68 points, achieved with 20 wins across 38 league games, while sustaining their push in the title race.
5. Who has been key to Aston Villa’s rise this season?
Alongside Emery’s tactical leadership, Morgan Rogers has played a major role with 5 goals and 3 assists in 13 league appearances, contributing directly to Villa’s attacking output.
