A formality. Last Sunday, Aston Villa made short work of West Ham (4-1) to properly celebrate Unai Emery’s 1st year at the club. At the end, a clear and flawless victory in a packed stadium, as always at Villa Park. For this 9th day of the Premier League, the executives shone and have done so since the start of the season. It must be said that with already 6 victories on the clock and above all no defeats since the defeat against Liverpool on September 3 (3-0), the Villans are in great shape. In addition to the results, it is the manner that delights the supporters, who are ecstatic in front of their team’s fiery attack. “For me, playing at home is always something special”detailed the Spanish coach. “We feel very good at home. We have to believe in it and always be in contact with the fans. We tried to add support and energy. We try to be positive and play according to our style. We have to be focused and strong defensively, but then create more noise with the fans by making them feel like they are playing with us.”
Because yes, with 23 goals scored in not even 10 days of the championship, Aston Villa is the 2nd best attack in England, just behind Newcastle, but well ahead of Brighton, Liverpool, Tottenham and even Manchester City. The observation is clear: Everton took 4 (4-0), Burnley and Crystal Palace took 3 (1-3, 3-1), Brighton conceded 6 (6-1) before the Hammers n ‘take 4 (4-1). Aston Villa not only wins, but explodes their opponents and even allowed themselves to take 3 points at Stamford Bridge, in a trench war (0-1). Evidence of a rotating team. This is the case to say, since with 11 consecutive successes at home, the Birmingham club is getting closer to the 1982-1983 season which saw the Villans go 13 games without defeat in front of their home crowd. Currently 5th in the Premier League but 4 points behind leader Tottenham, Aston Villa can afford to spoil the party. Even more so when Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins are playing at this level.
Players in full swing who stand out
Who says team that wins says individuals that reign. And in this perfectly established team, two men particularly stand out: Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins. The first no longer needs to be presented. A true spearhead in midfield, the Brazilian is one of the pillars of the club. But he has, again, passed a milestone. Demonstrates his ability to be decisive despite his remote position. With 5 goals in 9 Premier League days, Douglas Luiz has recently become more and more of a scorer. So much so that he became the first player in the club’s history to score in 6 consecutive league games at Villa Park, ahead of a certain Dwight Yorke (5 in 1996). XXL performances for the man who was extensively tracked by Arsenal before the London club recruited Declan Rice this summer.
In front of him, to conclude the actions, Ollie Watkins does not need to be asked. The English striker is not a surprise either, but rather a confirmation that he is one of the elite in his position, in the Kingdom. Selected in Gareth Southgate’s latest lists, the Torquay native even distinguished himself with the Three Lions by scoring the winning goal on October 13 against Australia (1-0). A notable passage which comes at the right time before Euro 2024 in the sights. In the Premier League, Ollie Watkins’ statistics speak for themselves: 5 goals and 5 goals. The former Brentford striker is ultra-complete and is enjoying a meteoric rise. 11 achievements in 2021-2022, then 15 last season, accompanied by 6 offerings. A constant progression for the one who had ridden in the Championship with Brentford (25 pawns in 2019-2020). Behind Harry Kane who is still performing well at Bayern Munich, Ollie Watkins could well become the ideal supersub for the English selection at the next Euro.
Heading towards the Champions League
“We are pursuing seven teams: Man City, Man United, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle”declared Unaï Emery after the victory against West Ham last Sunday. “At the beginning we were not contenders for the top 4, but of course we have to make our dreams come true. My dream is to win the Champions League, but now we are 5th and we will take each game trying to have a good match. The Spaniard has the right to dream. If the 51-year-old tactician has made the Europa League his favorite competition, the Champions League remains the absolute Holy Grail. For this, Aston Villa will have a lot to do by making their way into the English top 4.
Nothing is impossible. The Villans should perhaps take inspiration from last year’s Mapgies, who defied the odds. The upcoming schedule also seems affordable to continue this excellent series. Sunday, for the 10th day of the Premier League, Aston Villa welcomes Luton Town. Then, the Birmingham club will face Nottingham (5/11) and Fulham (12/11) before the clash against Spurs on November 26. Generate the points therefore, while keeping trying to distance teams which are always looking for each other such as Manchester United or even Chelsea. The C1 in the viewfinder, in addition to a Europa Conference League which seems open for Unai Emery’s men. To be confirmed in the coming weeks…
