Unai Emery's Impact on Aston Villa: From Struggles to Premier League Contenders
Unai Emery was appointed as Aston Villa manager on 1 November 2022, just 12 days after 20 October 2022, and marked his debut with a 3-1 home victory over Manchester United. This win was significant given Villa’s history, as they had only beaten United three times in their previous 53 meetings. The prior season ended with Villa beating Old Trafford but slipping into the Europa League after conceding two late goals despite Emi Martínez being sent off in the first half.
Villa's summer transfer activity was limited, losing Jacob Ramsey and bringing in Evann Guessand. However, January saw key loan signings of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Axel Disasi to strengthen their Champions League ambitions. Financially, the club spent around £35 million in January, followed by £100 million the next season, and nearly £200 million the following season. The net spend remained approximately £40 million due to player sales, with the club's wage bill ranking seventh in the Premier League.
After a slow start to the 2025 season, a pivotal 1-0 win over Bologna in late September, powered by a John McGinn goal, sparked a remarkable run—Aston Villa achieved 15 wins in 17 games. They have maintained an impressive streak with 11 consecutive Premier League wins, with Crystal Palace the only side to defeat them at home in 2025, aside from a 2-0 loss at Liverpool. Despite a long-standing struggle against Liverpool, having not beaten them in 11 meetings, Villa's recent performances have elevated them to Premier League contenders.
Emery's coaching style is characterized as pragmatic and focused on margins, emphasizing team character and mentality over rigid systems. This approach has played a key role in Aston Villa's transformation into a formidable force in English football.
