Kings or Kingmakers? Villa’s Critical Stretch Ahead

Is 2026 the Year for Aston Villa?

Aston Villa is making headlines with nine consecutive victories across all competitions, nearing the club’s historic record of 11 wins established in 1897. This impressive performance has propelled Unai Emery’s squad into the championship conversation.

After a rocky start where Villa failed to secure a win in their first five Premier League matches and struggled to score, the team’s fortunes have shifted dramatically. Upcoming matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, and league leaders Arsenal will be pivotal in defining Villa’s role in the title race, allowing them to play a decisive role or claim the crown themselves.

Despite a trophy drought dating back to their 1996 League Cup win, Villa currently sits third in both the Premier League and Europa League, presenting a chance for a remarkable turnaround.

Emery’s Focus on Ambition

Unai Emery is keeping the pressure off his squad by not publicly declaring their title ambitions. Nevertheless, stats reveal a compelling narrative: since their only Premier League defeat to Liverpool in October, the team has won six straight matches. The recent thrilling 3-2 comeback against West Ham embodies the resilience and momentum that Villa has developed under Emery’s leadership.

“We’re not feeling pressured; instead, we’re motivated and aiming to challenge in both Europe and the Premier League,” Emery noted post-match. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and maintaining player comfort as they face Manchester United next.

Emery has consciously avoided placing undue spotlight on his players, allowing their impressive form to speak for itself. This contrasts sharply with the team’s disappointing start, where they remained winless after six matches, including a defeat in the Carabao Cup to Brentford, and did not find the net in the league until a draw against Sunderland on September 21.

After this dismal beginning, the squad convened to address their slow start and strategize a recovery, acknowledging the psychological effects of failing to clinch a Champions League spot.

Consistency and Player Development Under Emery

Aston Villa concluded last season in sixth place, narrowly missing the top five on goal difference after a controversial loss to Manchester United on the final day. Since their draw at the Stadium of Light, Villa has triumphed in 15 of 17 matches, including recent victories over Manchester City and a dramatic win against Arsenal.

Under Emery’s tenure, continuity has been prevalent, with seven players who started his first match—a victory against United in November 2022—still playing significant roles today. Key figures like Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, and Ollie Watkins have been instrumental in the club’s resurgence towards the Champions League.

Emery believes the past year serves as both a lesson and an opportunity for growth, expressing motivation and a desire for higher standards. His primary goal remains clear: to secure victories, particularly against rivals like Manchester United.

Long Wait for Silverware

The last time Aston Villa lifted significant silverware was in 1996, and the club’s fortunes have fluctuated since, with losses in two FA Cup finals and two League Cup finals. Emery, with previous Europa League triumphs, made it clear from day one that winning a trophy is the team’s main objective. The pain of last season’s FA Cup semi-final defeat still lingers, adding urgency to their quest for success.

Recent experiences, including a semi-final exit in the Europa Conference League and a Champions League quarter-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, highlight the progress Villa is making, even if they haven’t yet delivered on those big stages.

Captain John McGinn articulated the team’s determination, insisting that they aim to surpass being mere quarter-finalists or semi-finalists. “We have built something over the past few years, and we want to show that we’re capable of more,” he stated. This ambition fuels the squad’s drive, promising that when the day finally comes for them to break their trophy drought, it will be celebrated with great joy.