With no apologies whatsoever, we take another look at Aston Villa’s current position and what the final few weeks of the season could mean for the midlands biggest and most successful club.
It is certainly true to say that ‘good-times’ for Villa fans have been few and far between in recent years, but 75 games and 18 months into Unai Emery’s reign at Villa Park, things have rarely been this good.
As recently as a couple of weeks ago however, a huge portion of supporters were getting increasingly concerned about where Villa’s season was heading – having occupied the top 4 in the Premier League for most of the season, things began to look a little fragile – numerous injuries and suspensions had coincided with a loss of form which culminated in a heavy home loss to Spurs – Villa slipped out of the top 4 and although messages from inside the club were positive, it looked as though the season was in danger of petering out.
A 3-3 draw at home against Brentford was followed by an edgy 2-1 victory in the UEFA Conference League first leg against Lille, and all the signs pointed towards a disappointing end to what had been a fabulous season to-date.
However; fear not!! An incredible and much deserved 2-0 victory away at title chasing Arsenal was followed by victory (on penalties) in the away leg in France, then a thoroughly professional 3-1 win against in-form Bournemouth put Villa’s season well and truly back on-track and set up a truly exciting end to the season.
With a top 4 place back in Villa’s own hands and 6 points clear of 5th place Spurs, the club are looking more and more likely to secure Champions League football next year – they also have a European semi-final to look forward to against Olympiakos and supporters are again confident that their heroes will deliver a trophy winning, Champions League qualifying end to the season.
Unai Emery’s impact at the club has been truly remarkable – from relegation threatened panic to trophy chasing glory in only 75 games. He has rapidly become the ‘King of Villa Park’ and transformed a struggling giant into a genuine force again in the Premier League and Europe – much more of this and fans will be demanding an Unai statue outside of the Holte End – it gets my vote!
Villa are in the closing stages now – everything points towards glory – ‘stay calm and get it done’ will be the message – in Unai we trust!
Comentarios