In a season full of surprises, Aston Villa, under the meticulous guidance of Unai Emery, are staking a serious claim to be considered genuine contenders in the Premier League title race. After a shaky start to the campaign, the Midlands club has found spectacular form, securing an impressive ten victories in their last twelve matches across all competitions.
The Emery Effect: Calm Leadership Yielding Results
While other managers crave the spotlight, Unai Emery's understated approach is proving incredibly effective. The Spanish tactician is often seen swiftly departing the pitch post-match, allowing his players to bask in the acclaim. This disciplined, team-first philosophy has translated into remarkable on-pitch success. Having already secured a fourth-place finish in the 2023/24 season and a commendable Champions League run ended by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, Villa's ambitions have now grown significantly.
Failing to qualify for the Champions League through their domestic performance this season would now be viewed as an underachievement, a testament to the high standards Emery has instilled. With traditional powerhouses like Liverpool and Manchester City showing vulnerabilities, the 2025/26 campaign presents a monumental opportunity for Villa to challenge for the ultimate prize.
Finding Their Scoring Boots
Early season struggles in front of goal, which saw Villa net just 14 times in their first 14 fixtures, have been decisively overturned. The team has exploded into life, scoring ten goals in their last four outings, which include two Premier League wins and two Europa League victories.
Key to this resurgence has been the attacking trio of Morgan Rogers, Donyell Malen, and Ollie Watkins. Rogers has established himself as one of the division's top attacking midfield talents, while Malen is emerging as a late-maturing attacker of genuine quality. Despite a tough start, confidence remains high that England striker Watkins will rediscover his decisive touch in front of goal.
A Well-Balanced Squad Built for Success
The summer transfer window brought intense speculation around the futures of key players like Rogers, Watkins, and goalkeeper Emi Martinez, creating an air of uncertainty. Since the window closed, however, Villa have been a model of consistency, winning six, drawing two, and losing just one of their subsequent matches.
Emery has crafted a well-balanced squad featuring a core of players in their prime, complemented by promising talents like Evann Guessand and Ian Maatsen who are maturing into effective Premier League operators. This blend of experience and potential, overseen by a supremely well-balanced manager, makes Aston Villa a formidable opponent for any team. As Wolverhampton Wanderers prepare to visit Villa Park, the momentum is firmly with Emery's men, who are no longer just hoping to compete, but are confidently gatecrashing the Premier League's elite party.
