Aston Villa has had an impressive start to the Premier League season, winning seven out of their first 10 games. This includes a convincing 3-1 win over Luton Town. The team’s recent success has taken them up to fifth place in the league table. Head coach Unai Emery, however, is hesitant to label Villa as contenders for the top four and Champions League qualification, stating that they are among seven teams competing for European positions.
Since Emery took charge of Villa in November last year, the team has seen significant improvement. In 43 games across all competitions, Emery has achieved an average of 1.93 points per game, the highest average for any Villa manager in the club’s history. In the Premier League, Villa has accumulated 68 points under Emery, with an average of 2.02 points per game. This is the fourth-best performance in the league, only behind Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. With their current form, challenging for a top-four finish is feasible for Villa.
Villa’s attacking prowess has been a key factor in their success. They have scored 18 goals in their first 10 games of the season, with players like Ollie Watkins, Douglas Luiz, Moussa Diaby, and Leon Bailey contributing significantly. This goal tally is the third-highest in the league. Since Emery took charge, Villa has scored a total of 66 goals in 35 games, surpassed by only six other teams. However, it’s not just their attacking prowess that has improved. Under Emery, Villa’s defense has also become stronger, conceding only 1.14 goals per game compared to 1.31 under the previous manager, Steven Gerrard. This improvement has elevated Villa to having the fourth-best defense in the league.
While Emery tries to manage expectations and focus on one game at a time, there is growing evidence that Aston Villa could compete for a top-four finish under his leadership. Their impressive performances and improvements under Emery’s guidance suggest that European football is within reach. The team’s attacking prowess combined with a stronger defense has made them a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League. Villa’s fans can be hopeful for a successful season ahead.
