Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has lauded his team's incredible transformation after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over local rivals Wolves catapulted them into the Premier League's top four.
The crucial win, secured by a moment of brilliance from Boubacar Kamara, marks a stunning reversal of fortune for a side that failed to win any of their opening five league games.
From Strugglers to Contenders
The contrast between Aston Villa's start to the season and their current form could not be more pronounced. After a summer transfer window widely criticised for its lack of impact, the team managed just one goal in their first five matches, leaving fans and pundits concerned.
However, the narrative has completely shifted. This latest triumph represents their seventh win in eight Premier League outings, a run of form that has firmly established them as contenders in the upper echelons of the table.
Emery's Humble Leadership
Despite the surge up the table, the Spanish boss is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. "The table is, of course, now better how we can see it," Emery stated after the match. "We are going to be humble and realistic. We will focus on each match."
He was full of praise for his players' response after he shared his worries with them during their poor start. "The most important thing is how the players responded to my message," he reflected, highlighting their commitment and hard work as the foundation for this remarkable Premier League turnaround.
Wolves' Glimmer of Hope in Defeat
For Wolves, the result is another bitter pill to swallow, as they have now lost 11 of their 13 league games this season. Manager Rob Edwards, however, found positives in his team's performance, describing it as "a step in the right direction."
"I feel sick that we've lost," Edwards admitted, "but we went about it in the best way possible to try and win. I thought at times we looked really, really good, and went right up against them." He expressed hope that the display would provide a foundation of belief for his struggling squad moving forward.
