Aston Villa's once-promising season is unravelling. Two months ago, they sat just three points off the top of the Premier League, riding a 12-win streak in 14 games that included victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. Now, after winning only three of their last nine league matches, their grip on a top-four place is slipping.
The 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Villa Park encapsulated their struggles. Tammy Abraham's 88th-minute equaliser salvaged a point, but Villa looked anxious and lacked inspiration for long periods. Injuries have ravaged their midfield, with Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn sidelined, leaving their build-up play fractured and creativity sparse. They have scored just one goal from open play in their last five matches.
Yet Villa have shown resilience before. They recovered from a winless start to the season to challenge for the title, and last term they held on to fourth place despite a difficult second half. Manager Unai Emery's side have won 19 points from losing positions this season, more than any other team, and boast the third-best defensive record in the league. With Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea enduring their own inconsistent runs, the door remains ajar for Villa to cling on to their Champions League dream.
