Aston Villa have firmly established themselves as genuine contenders in this season's Premier League title race, with the goalscoring form of England striker Ollie Watkins seen as a pivotal factor in their sustained challenge.
Villa's Exceptional Run Defies Expectations
While the campaign has been labelled unremarkable by some observers, Unai Emery's side have been a notable exception. They have strung together a remarkable sequence of results, including seven consecutive Premier League victories as part of a broader ten-match winning streak. Their success has been built on resilience rather than overwhelming dominance, with six of those seven league wins secured by a single goal.
This statistic has led some to predict an imminent downturn, but the counter-argument is that Villa's peak form may still be ahead of them. The underlying numbers present a curious picture; if the league table were decided by expected goals (xG), Villa would be languishing in 15th place. This either suggests a degree of fortune or questions the validity of the metric itself for judging this effective Villa unit.
The Watkins Factor and Squad Balance
A major reason for optimism at Villa Park is the anticipated return to prolific form for Ollie Watkins. The striker has been performing well without finding the net consistently, and the law of averages suggests a fruitful period is due. His potential scoring spree would be a massive boost for a team already showing immense grit.
Emery has cultivated a well-balanced and cohesive squad. It is built around a core of experienced players in their prime, complemented by developing talents like Donyell Malen, Ian Maatsen, and the returning Evan Guessand. The club's quiet success in the summer transfer window was not about flashy signings but about retaining key assets. Keeping hold of Emi Martinez, Watkins, and the in-form Morgan Rogers has allowed vital understanding and team spirit to flourish.
The result is a powerful, well-organised side that knows how to handle adversity within matches. They may not always produce dazzling football, but they possess a clear identity and a proven ability to grind out results.
Crucial Fixtures Ahead in Wide-Open Race
The immediate future presents a significant test with back-to-back away fixtures at Chelsea and Arsenal. However, these matches are unlikely to be definitive for Villa's ambitions. The title race remains remarkably open. While Arsenal lead the table with 39 points from 17 games, that total is slightly below the historical average for a leader at this stage.
With other contenders facing their own issues—Manchester City's reliance on Erling Haaland, Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities, and Chelsea's off-pitch distractions—the opportunity is there. Aston Villa, with their resilient mentality and key players hitting their stride, have positioned themselves as major players in the pursuit of the Premier League crown. The coming weeks will reveal if they can maintain their unexpected charge.
