Not many fans have experienced as much of a roller coaster as supporters of Villa this season. From not winning till the back end of September to being firmly placed in third. Only three points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Aston Villa failed to score in their first four Premier League games. This is despite only playing sides that finished below them last season, with the exception of Newcastle on the opening matchday of the season. The Magpies still only finished one place above Villa last season. New signings were failing to click like former Manchester United player Jadon Sancho, and the loss of key players such as Jacob Ramsey were clearly affecting Unai Emery's side. Their first Premier League goal came against Sunderland in a 1-1 draw, with defender Matty Cash finally ending the drought.
This draw gave Villa fans and players something to smile about. This clearly helped as they then went onto beat Fulham 3-1. Watkins one of Villa's star men the season prior finally netted in this fixture adding to the changing of fortunes. Burnley and Spurs then followed, which were both won, Villa's rise up the table was happening. A statement victory against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City cemented Aston Villa back in the top spots. Matty Cash the scorer of Villa's belated first Premier League goal, scored the only goal in the game to beat City.
Defeat stung Villa right as they looked to push on. A 2-0 loss against a struggling Liverpool side hurt momentum, but Emery has not let it affect his players. Winning their next six games, including a 2-1 win against Premier League favourites Arsenal. This has driven Villa, once being tossed into early predictions of a relegation fight, to being firm dark horses for the title.
Amongst all of this, Aston Villa has mounted an impressive run in the Europa League. Only losing one game so far in that competition and being placed in third place of the League Phase. Emery who took over a struggling Aston Villa side back in 2022 will be confident in his ability to win the competition, as he is currently the manager with the most Europa League titles.
It is an electric time to be a Villa fan, with so much to play for, how the second half of the season will play out for Villa is set to be dramatic. One question is on the mind for these fans. Can they end a twenty year trophy drought this season?
