Aston Villa defied the odds last season, securing a top-four finish despite injuries and underperforming metrics. Now, Unai Emery faces the challenge of repeating that success in a transformed Premier League landscape.
What made Villa's 2025 season so remarkable?
Villa finished fourth with 65 points (19W-8D-11L), just 20 points behind leaders Arsenal. Their recent form was strong, ending with four straight wins (WWWWD). Yet their expected points (48.50) suggested a 12th-place finish, making their top-four spot even more impressive. Key players like Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans missed significant time, yet Emery kept them in contention.
How did Emery overcome adversity?
Between September and December, Villa won 12 of 13 league games, propelling them into the top four. After the turn of the year, they relied on others' failures-especially Chelsea-to stay in the top five. Without Tielemans, their win rate dropped from 53% to 41%, yet they still secured Champions League football.
What challenges await in 2026-27?
With key players potentially leaving and new signings needed, Emery must rebuild while maintaining high standards. Their last result-a 2-1 win over Manchester City-shows their potential, but consistency will be key. Next up: a tough away clash against Hull City on September 5, 2026.
