Aston Villa have emerged as the Premier League's most in-form team, launching a stunning and unexpected assault on the title race alongside heavyweights Arsenal and Manchester City. Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, the Birmingham club has transformed from a struggling side to genuine contenders, setting up a thrilling three-way battle for the championship.
The Aston Villa Resurgence Under Unai Emery
The Villains' journey to the top has been remarkable. After failing to win any of their first six matches this season, they have spectacularly turned their fortunes around. They have won 15 of their last 17 games across all competitions, including an impressive 10 victories in 11 Premier League outings. This incredible run has shattered their long-standing reputation as sleeping giants, a tag they have carried for decades.
Emery's impact since arriving just over three years ago cannot be overstated. He has masterminded a return to European football after a 13-year absence, which included a spell in the second-tier Championship. The club has now enjoyed three consecutive seasons of continental competition. Their growth was highlighted in a thrilling Champions League quarter-final last April, where they pushed Paris Saint-Germain to the brink, losing 5-4 on aggregate. PSG went on to win the tournament.
Squad Strength and Key Performers
Emery has built a squad brimming with quality and experience. The team is anchored by Argentina's World Cup-winning goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, providing a solid foundation. The English core of Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins, and the sensational Morgan Rogers has been instrumental.
Morgan Rogers, in particular, has been the standout star of Villa's revival. His form has been so compelling that England boss Thomas Tuchel has preferred him over Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham. Rogers has contributed five goals and three assists in the last 11 league games, driving the team's attack with confidence and skill.
Reasons for Doubt and the Festive Test
Despite the impressive results, questions remain about Villa's ability to sustain a title challenge. Their performances have not always mirrored the dominance suggested by their winning streak. Only two of their ten league wins have been by more than a single goal, and underlying statistics like expected goals (xG) suggest they have been fortunate, with data indicating they should be in the bottom half of the table based on their displays.
The coming weeks will be the ultimate test of their credentials. A demanding festive schedule sees them host Manchester United on Sunday, followed by difficult away trips to Chelsea and Arsenal after Christmas. Manager Unai Emery remains cautious, publicly downplaying the title talk. "I know 38 matches is very difficult," he said. "We are not a contender. If we were in game 35, perhaps we can speak differently."
History also casts a shadow. Just two years ago, Villa were in a similar position after beating Arsenal and City at home in December, but they finished the season 23 points off the top in fourth place. The financial and squad depth of their rivals, City and Arsenal, presents a monumental hurdle. Furthermore, Villa must balance their Premier League ambitions with a strong Europa League campaign, where they are joint-top and virtually assured of a last-16 place.
Emery's incredible record in that competition—having won it four times with Sevilla and Villarreal—makes Villa favourites to lift the trophy in Istanbul. For many fans, ending a 30-year wait for silverware in Europe might be a more realistic and celebrated achievement than overhauling the giants for the domestic crown. The question remains: is this Villa squad built for a marathon title race, or will their brilliant run prove to be a step too far?
