Unai Emery's tenure at Aston Villa has seen a remarkable transformation in the club's fortunes since he was appointed just weeks before the 2022 World Cup. Initially tasked with avoiding relegation, Villa was precariously positioned just above the relegation zone when Emery took over on October 31, 2022. His debut game resulted in a victory over Manchester United, which set the tone for a season that ended with Villa finishing in 11th place, ten spots higher than when he arrived.
In the 2023/2024 season, Villa continued to build on their momentum, finishing fourth in the Premier League and even challenging for the top spot during the season. As of the first eight games of the ongoing 2024/2025 campaign, Villa currently sits in fourth place, maintaining strong league form alongside their impressive Champions League debut.
Emery's previous experiences in the Premier League with Arsenal, where he faced challenges including a failed bid for Champions League qualification, have led to questions about his ability to sustain success in the top tier of English football. However, sports analyst Thierry Henry recently commented on Emery's tactical brilliance, stating, "He's a tactical genius. He always goes out there and makes sure that his team has an advantage tactically because that's how he operates," highlighting his past successes, including multiple Europa League titles.
Under Emery, Villa has achieved three consecutive wins in the Champions League, with victories over Bayern Munich, Young Boys, and Bologna, solidifying their position as serious contenders for deeper progression in the tournament. His successful strategies in UEFA competitions are reminiscent of his time at Sevilla and Villarreal.
The squad's improvement is evident not only in this European success but also through crucial domestic performances, including key wins against Manchester City and Arsenal last season. New signings like Jhon Duran and Pau Torres have bolstered an already strong core featuring stars like Emi Martinez, John McGinn, and Ollie Watkins.
Emery's ambitions for Aston Villa are clear. He stated, "When you achieve high-level objectives, the question is: How can you keep them? I don’t want to waste my time here. I don’t want the players to waste their time here. We are professionals and we want to keep the level we have now, the Champions League - and add something more, like a trophy." The manager's desire for continued success aligns with the club's objectives, indicating a promising outlook for the season ahead.
As Villa continues to rise, the challenge they face will be maintaining their momentum and potentially addressing the concerns surrounding Emery's long-term commitment amidst interest from other top clubs. However, Aston Villa supporters can take pride in the significant strides the club has made under Emery, positioning themselves as a competitive force in both domestic and European football.