Aston Villa Looking Better with Unai Emery at Helm
Nearly three months ago football club from Birmingham appointed Spaniard as the first team’s manager. Even with the break because of the World Cup, we can safely say that this is enough time to analyze what he brought to the team. There is no doubt that they are looking far better than with Steven Gerard. Placed in the middle of the table, the fans can relax since they were dangerously close to relegation before Unai came. Let’s look into what he brought to them since November.
Attacking Football Emery Forces and Tactical Formation
Due to work permit formalities, his first game was on November 6th, and he is delivering a string of amazing performances since. He makes better results with the same team Gerard had, like the ones you can achieve on Spielo TV. Every team he managed played very well in offense, and the list of that clubs is amazing. Valencia, Sevilla, PSG, and Arsenal were all trying to outscore opponents. He changed the style of play, switching to 4-4-2. In the seven games he managed in the Premier League including the match against Southampton, the team scored amazing twelve goals.
Defensive Stability of the Team
Twelve goals scored in seven matches are amazing for the team that was a relegation candidate in October. Especially when you see the name of the rivals, like Manchester United, Tottenham, and Brighton which is playing well this season. But all of that is irrelevant without a good defense. Villa has conceded seven goals in those matches, with two clean sheets. The trio Mings, Konsa, and Emi Martinez play with far more confidence. They are backed by Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz in the heart of the midfield who are looking irreplaceable. Their strong showing is allowing forwards to play with more freedom.
Change in Mentality and the First Game Against United
As we mentioned above, Unai was forced to miss the game against Newcastle due to work permits formalities. His debut was anticipated like some of the movie blockbusters in 2023. Instead of Newcastle, his first game was against Manchester United, a much tougher task. Emery didn’t back down, he enforced his ideas against a bigger team and managed to grab a much-deserved win. 3-1 at the end of the match showed us that he read the game of ten Hag’s team very well. Goals by Bailey, Digne, and Ramsey brought a lot of joy to the fans at the start of his career at Villa.
Player Roles Change
We mentioned the importance of Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara for the midfield, but it is important to point out the new roles Emery has for Emi Buendia, John McGinn, and Leon Bailey. They are looking great at the moment. Emi’s ball control is well used in the roles of a second striker and left winger. Buendia and McGinn are cutting inside with Bailey having a wider role. With the departure of Ings, we can expect more of that from the Jamaican attacker.
Conclusion
Villa’s league performance has significantly improved since Emery took over in November, with just one draw and one loss in their last seven games. He’s helped restore faith and confidence in players like Mings, Martinez, and Konsa. Greater stability at the back has resulted as a reward, which he also achieved with the help of a stern 4-4-2 formation that places a double-pivot ahead of the back line. Emery can now concentrate on improving the team’s offensive and ensuring that their progress up the table continues over the remainder of the season now that the defensive side has been solidified.
