When Aston Villa parted ways with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in October 2022, hiring Unai Emery from Villarreal as his replacement, few anticipated the former Arsenal manager to work wonders at Villa Park.
Gerrard left the team in a precarious 14th place on the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone, having won only two of their opening 11 matches.
Emery bid farewell to Villarreal in a press conference on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, after leading them to their first Europa League glory in his first season.
However, he didn’t assume his new role at Villa Park until November 1, 2022, due to work permit formalities. His debut match was a 3-1 win at home against Manchester United on November 6.
This early success signaled positive changes under the former Arsenal manager. From hovering near the relegation zone, Unai guided the Villans to a seventh-place finish, securing European football in the Europa Conference League.
Notably, they finished the season above heavyweights Chelsea and Tottenham. The current season sees Aston Villa reaching new heights.
On December 6, 2023, Unai Emery orchestrated a remarkable 1-0 win over defending champions Manchester City, showcasing dominance against formidable opponents.
This victory, marking Unai’s first win over Pep Guardiola in 14 attempts, elevated Villa to third place, while City slipped to fourth after 15 rounds. The triumph was a masterpiece, making a significant statement since Emery’s arrival at Villa Park.
What’s more, he guided Aston Villa to a record 14 consecutive home league wins, establishing Villa Park as a fortress.
The streak began with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on March 4, 2023, followed by impressive wins against Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.
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The 2023/24 season continued the success with wins over Everton, Crystal Palace, Brighton, West Ham, Luton Town, and Fulham.
The last team to beat Aston Villa at Villa Park was Arsenal on February 18, 2023. Then league leaders, the Gunners claimed a 4-2 win against their former coach to further boost their title charge which crumbled in the ultimate matches of the season.
Aston Villa’s next home opponent is Arsenal in a late kick-off match on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Just like last season, the Gunners are at the top of the Premier League log, four points above third-lying Villa.
The best home team vs the best away team… Will Arsenal survive?
The clash between the best home team and the best away team promises an exciting battle.
Arsenal’s formidable away record this season, winning five out of seven games, poses a challenge to Aston Villa’s impeccable home form.
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Arsenal, with a four-match winning streak, faces the test of breaking Aston Villa’s home dominance.
The Gunners have a strong away record, having won five out of seven away games this season.
Villa, on the other hand, remains unbeaten in their last four matches. They have a perfect record at home, winning all seven matches and scoring 24 goals while conceding only five.
Will Arsenal manage to breach the Aston Villa fortress, or will Villa continue their impressive home run under Unai Emery’s leadership?
