Aston Villa's Premier League Resurgence: From Relegation to Top Contender
The Unlikely Heroes
After two impressive victories against Manchester City and Arsenal, Aston Villa is making waves in the Premier League. This English football team, which recently returned to the top-tier league in 2019, is currently third in the standings, showcasing an astonishing rise. But what's driving this success? A former Europa League winner, a couple of ex-Leverkusen players, and a good ol' offside trap have played key roles in Villa's ascent.
Emery's Long Journey
Unai Emery, the current Aston Villa coach, has traveled a long road to get to this point. After a stint at Sevilla, he arrived in Paris with hopes of driving a multi-billion euro ensemble to success, but failed to do so. His team faced defeat in the hands of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, and he found little success in his efforts to bring Paris Saint-Germain into the Champions League. However, his failure in France didn't define his career.
Catalyst for Change
Emery bound for Villa Park
Emery's journey with Aston Villa began in 2019 when he took on the role of Arsène Wenger's successor at Arsenal. Despite defeating the Gunners in their first meeting, his tenure was brief, leaving by the end of the season, but not before guiding Villa to a 17th-place finish, barely avoiding direct relegation. Facing seemingly insurmountable footsteps, Emery's time at Arsenal may have ended prematurely.
Emery's next stop was Villarreal, where he managed to capture the Europa League in the summer of 2021. Emery's Villarreal even outplayed Arsenal in the semi-finals and overcame Manchester United in the finals. The team's dramatic turnaround secured their first international title.
Emery and Villa's Epic Quest
After an impressive run with Villarreal, Aston Villa were quick to take advantage of an exit clause in Emily's contract. The Spanish coach joined the Premier League club in October 2022 for a moderate six million euros. With the backing of new owners Nassef Sawiri and Wes Eden, the stage was set for an exciting turn of events.
The Changing Face of Aston Villa
Villa's owners sought to replicate the successful strategies employed by giants in Liverpool and Manchester City by hiring top coaches and giving them a free rein. Aston Villa's hierarchy thought long and hard about their choice, eventually settling on Steven Gerrard as their head coach.
Steven Gerrard's tenure as the coach at Aston Villa started off shaky, with the club managing just 1.18 points per game. After only 40 games, hopes that the former Liverpool legend would miraculously transform into a top-tier coach began to wane. Gerrard has since moved to Saudi Arabia to coach Al-Hilal. In a surprising turn of events, Aston Villa secured the services of Unai Emery, who had successfully revitalized his career with Villarreal.
Villa's New Leadership Team
Alongside Unai Emery, Nassef Sawiri and Wes Eden had already brought on board Ramon Rodriguez "Monchi" Verdejo, the renowned sports director, who had previously worked with Emery at Sevilla FC. Verdejo was known for his ability to foster youth talent at Sevilla, with players like Sergio Ramos and Jesus Navas turning professional during his tenure.
The Fruit of Villa's Labor
Villa's Strategic Victories
Villa's success cannot be attributed solely to their star players. With the acquisition of Moussa Diaby for a record-breaking 55 million euros, the squad doesn't boast an all-star lineup. Instead, the team's talented players like ex-Leverkusen players Douglas Luiz and Leon Bailey are gradually showcasing their skills under Emery's tutelage.
The Offside Trap Conundrum
Taking risks on the field has become one of Villa's hallmarks. The team relies heavily on the offside trap, a defense strategy that no European team does better. Opposing strikers often face disallowed goals due to their efforts to run into the forbidden zone against Villa's high back line. This bold approach to the game has left opposing teams in awe, earning the club critical acclaim.
The Tide Turns for Villa
Despite the occasional setback, such as the wind drenched jersey issue that has left players minus dry shirts mid-match, Villa's 2023 season can be considered an overall success. Their unrivaled home record, coupled with their strong performances against the larger clubs, has solidified their position as a serious contender in the English top flight.
The Future's Bright for Aston Villa
With their record-breaking 15-game winning streak coming to an end at the hands of Liverpool, Aston Villa continues to find its footing in the Premier League. The future looks bright, with plans to expand the stadium and maintain their commitment to taking calculated chances both on and off the field.
