Why Aston Villa can emerge as genuine Premier League title contenders

It is still relatively early in the season, but in-form Aston Villa look capable of manoeuvring their way into the Premier League  title race.

Last weekend’s dramatic 2-1 home win over Arsenal marked a fifth straight league victory and moved them to within three points of Mikel Arteta’s leaders.

Here, DAZN News reporter Ross Heppenstall analyses whether Unai Emery’s upwardly mobile side can last the distance.

Nothing, it seems, can stop Villa right now

The Villains actually made a very sluggish start to the season, failing to win any of their opening six games in all competitions.

That dismal run included them being dumped out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle by Brentford on penalties.

Misery and gloom was everywhere at Villa Park heading into autumn, but since late-September they have been largely unstoppable.

Emery’s boys beat Bologna 1-0 at home in the Europa League, which kickstarted a run of five straight wins.

Victory over Arsenal last weekend marked a 13th success in their last 15 games in all competitions – and a run which included a victory over Manchester City, who lie a point above them in second.

The transformation in form and fortunes has been quite staggering ahead of Sunday's trip to struggling West Ham United.

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What has made them such a formidable outfit?

It would be an exaggeration to say Villa’s current run is all down to Emery – but it wouldn’t be too far wide of the mark.

The Midlands giants have made huge progress since paying Villarreal £5.2million to buy out Emery’s contract in October 2022.

Last season saw the impressive Spaniard secure European football at Villa Park for the third successive season.

After starting this term so badly – Villa failed to score in the league until midway through September – Emery held his nerve.

He has steadily poured confidence into his players and men such as Matty Cash, Erzi Konsa, Pau Torres, Boubacar Kamara, John McGinn, Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers have been outstanding.

Dutchman Donyell Malen has also shone brightly in the last two months, scoring eight times for club and country since early October.

The talent within their ranks is clear to see, but Villa’s rich run of form has all been about the collective.

ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images

Can they sustain it throughout the season?

That is the sixty-four million dollar question.

Emery’s squad is not as deep as those of the wealthiest clubs in the Premier League.

But there is an energy about Villa right now, a collective desire which bodes well for the challenges that lie ahead.

Take last week’s thrilling 4-3 win at Brighton, when they fought back from two goals to take the points.

Consider the way they kept fighting to the death to down Arsenal three days later courtesy of Buendia’s winner in the fifth minute of added time.

Look at the celebrations which followed that goal as Villa Park erupted and Emery’s players leapt in the air like wild men.

Ollie Watkins is a proven scorer at the highest level but has found goals hard to come by this season – scoring just three times in 21 appearances.

If the England striker can rediscover his shooting boots, Villa really could be in business. Especially if they add to their squad in January.

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So, what might Villa be capable of this season?

It is difficult to say at this stage because but the challenge of competing in the Europa League may catch up with them at some point.

For now, though, as City and Arsenal have looked unconvincing at times, Villa continue to surge up the table.

At the very least, Emery’s men look capable of bringing Champions League football back to Villa Park.

If they continue to keep pace with the leading pack during the busy festive period and into the New Year, then perhaps Villa fans can start dreaming of title glory.

Right now, belief and expectation is growing among Emery’s players and a success-starved fanbase. That cannot be denied.

 

 

 

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