Aston Villa coach Unai Emery has consistently faced inquiries about the team’s potential for Champions League qualification throughout the current Premier League season. Emery maintains that the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle, Manchester United, and Chelsea are ahead in the race for European football, let alone securing a top-four or top-five finish.
The credibility of Emery’s remarks will likely be judged based on whether Villa can maintain their impressive form displayed in the first three months of the campaign. Emery, having been questioned about challenging for the Champions League, points out that several formidable teams currently surpass Villa’s standing in the pursuit of European football, including a top-four or top-five finish.
The strong start to the season under Emery is seen as a continuation of the team’s performance since the end of February. Villa has demonstrated consistency under Emery, with only one instance of failing to win after a draw or loss in the previous match. Emery’s win percentage of 60.5% in his first year surpasses any other manager in the club’s history.
Considering the broader context of Emery’s tenure at Villa Park, the suggestion that Villa could finish in the top five gains more substance. Villa has collected 68 points in 2023 over 34 league games, matching Arsenal and surpassed only by Manchester City.
Despite competing in 19 games across all competitions, including the Europa Conference League, Villa has managed the additional workload effectively under Emery’s guidance. The team has coped well with European fixtures, although knockout rounds may bring different pressures, particularly if aiming for a Champions League finish.
Emery’s squad has shown resilience and thrives under pressure, as evidenced by their response to back-to-back losses last season and their performance in crucial games against European rivals.
Villa’s goal-scoring prowess, especially at Villa Park, is highlighted, with the team becoming only the second in Premier League history to score three or more goals in each of their opening six home league games. Strikers Moussa Diaby and Ollie Watkins have formed a prolific partnership, with Watkins aiming to be the first Villa player to score 20 or more goals in the Premier League this season.
Despite a strong home record, Villa’s away form needs improvement to enhance their chances of finishing in the top five. Emery’s coaching ability to adapt the team’s playing style for different situations has been evident, as seen in their victories against strong opponents last season.
Emery’s managerial success is further emphasized by the team’s performance despite key players like Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia being out for the season due to injuries. The imminent return of influential players like Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno after the international break adds optimism to Villa’s prospects.
In summary, Villa’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League seem plausible, considering Emery’s strategic coaching, the team’s impressive form over the past year, and the potential reinforcement with the return of key players.
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