By Martin Graham
Aston Villa’s The transformation of the last three months has been extraordinary. Eleven weeks after staying in the relegation zone without winning the league, the team now sit in third place and are increasingly being talked about as a real contender. Saturday’s dramatic late success is over arsenal highlighted this surge, giving Unai Emery his 63rd Premier League victory, more than any Villa manager has achieved before.
Their win return of 54.94% from 162 games is among the best in the division in 2025, with only Arsenal and Manchester City bettering Villa’s 67 points this year. In Europe, a close result to Basel would put them on the doorstep of the round of 16 of the Europa League.
That this progress follows a woeful opening spell – out of the Carabao Cup, the bottom three and last in the Football League to find the net – adds weight to the scale of change. Emery’s summer was further complicated by tight spending limits and the departure of head of football Monchi, raising questions about the direction of the team.
Despite early struggles, Emery made no tactical changes. He resisted the temptation to revise training routines or adjust his video-led conditioning sessions. Instead, he doubled down on his established philosophy at Bodymoor Heath, demanding focus and shutting out distractions.
His determination led the team to a flat and tense period marked by poor performances, transfer uncertainty all around Emi Martinezand minimal impact of late arrivals Jadon Sancho, Harvey Elliotti Victor Lindelof. even by Ollie Watkins The long drought of goals did not divert him from his plan.
Rebuilding momentum under pressure
The club entered the season weakened by the loss of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio following their loans, along with the sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle. With PSR restrictions tight, the only signings that paid commissions were the striker Evann Guessand and porter Marco Bizot. Fresh energy was needed, but resources were limited.
Still, Emery stood his ground. Although the team battled fatigue from two intense years of rapid progress, from relegation candidates to Champions League quarter-finals, it held the group together. Early performances, such as the opener goalless draw with Newcastle and the home defeat to Crystal Palace, reflected this mental fatigue as much as the tactical problems.
Despite the stagnation, the coach maintained confidence in the structure of the squad. Behind the scenes, he protected the environment on Bodymoor Heath, where access is highly restricted, and focused the players on the task at hand.
Villa’s football operations also evolved. After Monchi’s departure, Emery exerted considerable influence on the signing Robert Olabeanother figure in whom he trusted, and he continued to work closely with Damian Vidagany. It gave him a degree of authority that 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 has. Villa’s current rise has reopened the question of how far he could have taken Arsenal with comparable support.
Growing numbers and renewed beliefs
Villa are now three points clear of Arsenal, aiming for another Champions League qualification and potentially more, even if Emery himself avoids talk of the title. His side have won nine of their last ten Premier League outings, with only Liverpool stopping their run. In all competitions, they have won 13 of their most recent 15 games.
However, this race has not always looked polished. It was a dominant 4-0 win Bournemouththe team has often prevailed without fully convincing. That both Manchester City and Arsenal have been beaten during this stretch suggests there is more room for growth.
Recent statistical trends underscore the improvement. Compared to the first five league games, Villa’s last five have produced a markedly higher offensive output despite reduced possession. Expected goals have gone from 3.8 to 8.8. Shots have risen from 52 to 75, with more significant chances created and more touches in the opposition area.
The defensive intensity has also increased, with more tackles made and a clear increase in aggression all over the pitch. These changes reflect a part responding to their manager’s firm belief that consistency, not reinvention, would yield results.
With the January window looming, Villa are planning further reinforcements, including the expected arrival of Brazilian teenager Alysson from Grêmio. But the linchpin of their resurgence remains Emery’s unwavering focus, which has become their defining strength.
