By Martin Graham
Aston Villa’s transformation over the past three months has been extraordinary. Eleven weeks after sitting in the relegation zone without a league win, the team now occupies third place and is increasingly discussed as a genuine contender. Saturday’s dramatic late success over Arsenal highlighted this rise, delivering Unai Emery’s 63rd Premier League win — more than any Villa manager has achieved before.
His return of 54.94% victories in 162 matches sits among the division’s best in 2025, with only Arsenal and Manchester City exceeding Villa’s 67-point tally this year. In Europe, a near-clinching result against Basel would put them on the verge of the Europa League last 16.
That such progress follows a dismal opening spell — out of the Carabao Cup, bottom three, and last across the Football League to find the net — adds weight to the scale of the turnaround. Emery’s summer was further complicated by tight spending limits and the departure of football chief Monchi, prompting questions about the team’s direction.
Despite the early struggles, Emery made no tactical shifts. He resisted the temptation to overhaul training routines or adjust his video-led preparation sessions. Instead, he doubled down on his established philosophy at Bodymoor Heath, demanding concentration and shutting out distractions.
His resolve carried the squad through a flat, tense period marked by poor performances, transfer uncertainty around Emi Martinez, and minimal impact from late arrivals Jadon Sancho, Harvey Elliott, and Victor Lindelof. Even Ollie Watkins’ long goal drought didn’t push him from his plan.
Rebuilding momentum under pressure
The club entered the season weakened by the loss of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio after their loans, along with Jacob Ramsey’s sale to Newcastle. With PSR restrictions tight, the only fee-paying signings were striker Evann Guessand and goalkeeper Marco Bizot. Fresh energy was needed, yet the resources were limited.
Still, Emery remained steadfast. While the squad battled fatigue from two intense years of rapid progress — from relegation candidates to Champions League quarter-finalists — he kept the group unified. Performances early on, such as the goalless opener with Newcastle and the home defeat to Crystal Palace, reflected this mental weariness as much as tactical issues.
Despite the stagnation, the manager maintained trust in the squad’s structure. Behind the scenes, he protected the environment at Bodymoor Heath, where access is highly restricted, focusing players tightly on the task at hand.
Villa’s football operations also evolved. After Monchi’s exit, Emery exerted considerable influence in bringing in Roberto Olabe, another figure he trusted, and continued working closely with Damian Vidagany. It gave him a degree of authority he never enjoyed at Arsenal or PSG.
His previous stops — succeeding Arsène Wenger in a difficult transition or operating within PSG’s ownership dynamic — never offered the control he now holds. Villa’s current ascent has reopened the question of how far he might have taken Arsenal with comparable backing.
Rising numbers and renewed belief
Villa now sits three points behind Arsenal, aiming for another Champions League qualification and potentially more — even if Emery himself avoids title talk. His side has claimed nine victories from their last ten Premier League outings, with only Liverpool halting their momentum. Across all competitions, they have won 13 of their most recent 15 matches.
Yet this run hasn’t always looked polished. Outside a dominant 4-0 win over Bournemouth, the team has often prevailed without fully convincing. That both Manchester City and Arsenal were beaten during this stretch suggests there is further room for growth.
Recent statistical trends underline the improvement. Compared to the opening five league fixtures, Villa’s last five have produced markedly higher attacking output despite reduced possession. Expected goals have jumped from 3.8 to 8.8. Shots have risen from 52 to 75, with more significant opportunities created and increased touches in the opposition area.
The defensive intensity has also grown, with more tackles made and a clear rise in aggression across the pitch. These changes reflect a side responding to its manager’s firm belief that consistency — not reinvention — would turn results.
With the January window approaching, Villa plans further reinforcement, including the expected arrival of Brazilian teenager Alysson from Grêmio. But the backbone of their resurgence remains Emery’s unshakeable approach, which has become their defining strength.
