Are Aston Villa starting to lose momentum?
Unai Emery’s side have won only two of their last six Premier League matches. They have also suffered three home defeats in their past five games at Villa Park. Still, they sit third in the table and remain firmly in the top-four race.
A win over Wolverhampton Wanderers could strengthen their position. They can move further clear of Chelsea and close the gap on Manchester City. A tough clash with leaders Arsenal also awaits.
Villa have stayed in the top four since November. Yet Emery continues to label his team as underdogs in the race for Champions League qualification. He insists other clubs have stronger squads and bigger resources.
That makes Villa’s rise even more impressive. The team made its worst start to a Premier League season in 28 years. They picked up just two points and failed to score in their opening four games.
Emery has transformed the club since replacing Steven Gerrard in November 2023. He guided Villa back to the Champions League for the first time since the 1982-83 European Cup era. Last season, they even reached the quarter-finals.
The Spaniard ranks among the league’s most effective managers. He averages 1.8 points per game across his Premier League career with Arsenal and Villa. Only a few managers, including Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, rank higher among those with over 100 matches.
Emery has also improved individual players. He signed Morgan Rogers from Middlesbrough for £16m. Rogers was not a regular starter at the time. Now he is an England international.
Villa’s performances have not always been dominant. However, they consistently find ways to win. According to Opta data, their expected points total suggests they should sit around 12th place. Instead, they are third. That gap shows how much they are overperforming.
The team has battled injuries to key players like Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn. They also face financial limits under Premier League and UEFA rules. Despite this, Emery keeps standards high.
Villa are also chasing silverware and hope to end a 30-year trophy drought with a strong run in the Europa League.
Emery believes consistency remains the key. He says the team must stay demanding and trust the tactical foundation they have built. For now, Villa continue to defy expectations.
