Aston Villa are flying high under Unai Emery. Photo: John Sibley/John Sibley
There haven't been many weeks like this in the club's history. the modern history of Aston Villa, one of the greatest clubs in English football, and throughout the game at Villa Park there was a sense that there was much more to come.
Unai Emery has never been the kind of manager who who will enjoy their success, even if it is entitled to it after two successive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal. The Spaniard clenched his fists and smacked the hands of the Villa fans at the end, but once he got inside you can be sure he started contemplating what would happen next. “We should enjoy it and be proud of ourselves,” he said. “But at the same time be demanding.”
What's next for Villa? Well, after 16 matches they are just two points behind the league leaders. The title race is starting to unfold and Villa are now undoubtedly in it after four days in which they demonstrated their courage, strength and considerable collective ability.
Unlike many other teams in this division, Villa did not do this. shape your game in line with the creative class of City and Arsenal. Villa played their football, their way, with courage and an unwavering belief in the high-stakes system that Emery imposed.
It may be too early to say that Villa can win the Premier League. Perhaps those Thursday nights in Europe will catch up with them eventually. Perhaps a couple of injuries will undermine their cause.
But when the tireless John McGinn extended his arms to the home fans after the final whistle, the 40,000 Villa fans rightly asked: why not? Why not us and why not this year?
A look at Emery's preferred line-up reveals some impressive strength. In Emiliano Martinez they have one of the most impressive goalkeepers in the world. In Ollie Watkins they have one of the deadliest strikers in the league. Between them there are players of physical strength and technical qualities.
And in the Villa dugout there is a manager who is excellent at reading the flow and rhythm of a football match. His replacements here were early and decisive, and they provided fresh energy just when it was needed. Leander Dendoncker added steel to midfield and Matty Cash stopped Arsenal's dangerous left flank.
Unai Emery has a fundamental understanding of the game its composition and how to get the most out of it. Photo: Getty Images/Justin Tallis
Villa's winner was the result of a move that Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta would have drawn on a tactical board. The ball was handled from back to front with precision, and the result was expressive.
In this case, Villa had another valuable quality that every ambitious team needs: luck. It was nervy at times and they relied on the profligacy of Arsenal's forwards. It wasn't nearly as strong a performance as they produced against City in midweek, but that didn't matter.
Perhaps the biggest weapon at Emery's disposal is a Villa Park that was shaking and swaying throughout the evening. On nights like these, there is an air of aggression and tension in this stadium, which is matched by the players on the pitch. Or maybe it's the players on the field who create that atmosphere in the stands. Regardless, the end result is intoxicating.
When asked about the title challenge, McGinn said he “forbids the T-word.” He may be able to make it in the first team, but he won't stop the rest of the world from assessing Villa's chances. And it certainly won't stop Villa fans from dreaming of something that, after four glorious days, seems more achievable than anyone could have imagined before.
Recent Comments