Unai Emery has quietly built Aston Villa into a serious Premier League force, and now they are poised to gatecrash the title race. While other managers bask in the spotlight, Emery typically avoids post-match pitch celebrations, letting his players take the acclaim. But after a strong run of form, the spotlight may soon find him anyway.
Villa finished fourth in the 2023/24 season and impressed in the Champions League, losing only to eventual winners Paris St-Germain. Now, with doubts surrounding Liverpool and Manchester City, this season presents a huge opportunity. Not qualifying for the Champions League in 2025/26 would be an underachievement.
The team has found form after a slow start, with ten goals in their last four games across the Premier League and Europa League. Donyell Malen is emerging as a quality attacker, while Morgan Rogers is proving to be one of the division's top midfield threats. Ollie Watkins, despite a tough season, retains Emery's faith.
Since the summer transfer window closed, Villa have won six, drawn two and lost one. That run should continue when Wolves visit Villa Park. Emery has a balanced squad with players in their prime, including Evann Guessand and Ian Maatsen. If they maintain this momentum, Emery may find himself unable to shy away from the acclaim.
