Aston Villa has been a remarkable story in the football world with their surprising resurgence under the leadership of Unai Emery. The Spanish manager has transformed the club’s fortunes, ushering in an era of success that has seen them rise from the brink of relegation to become genuine contenders for European qualification.
In October 2022, the club was languishing in 16th place, just a point above the relegation zone. The decision was made to sack Steven Gerrard and bring in Unai Emery, a decision that would prove to be a turning point for Aston Villa. Emery’s first game in charge resulted in a resounding 3-1 victory over Manchester United, signaling the start of a remarkable turnaround. Aston Villa went on to enjoy a five-match winning streak, their best run in the Premier League since the 1997-98 season under John Gregory.
Fast forward to now, Aston Villa sit 3rd in the Premier League after a huge 1-0 win vs current champions Manchester City at home, they are currently on a 14 match winning streak at home which has also matched a club record.
The Tactical Genius of Unai Emery
Unai Emery is renowned for his tactical acumen, and this has been evident in the transformation of the Aston Villa style of play. A key aspect of his management style is his adaptability, with Emery able to switch tactics and formations to exploit the weaknesses of the opposition. His preferred 4-2-3-1 formation has provided a solid foundation, allowing for a balanced and organized approach to both attack and defense.
Emery’s Style: A Blend of Aggression and Control Emery’s style of play is characterized by an aggressive pressing game, coupled with a focus on maintaining possession and controlling the tempo of the game. This approach has allowed Aston Villa to dominate matches, with the team scoring a remarkable number of goals.
You can see clearly that Villa’s outputs are far higher than the Premier League average, they play a quick short passing game and utilise their explosive wingers and clinical strikers, partnered with a quick midfield, they are an absolute nightmare for Premier League teams to handle.
Emery’s 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 Formation: A Winning Strategy
Unai Emery’s style of play at Aston Villa leans heavily towards a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation, with a strong focus on central attacking numbers and combinations. This approach often involves multiple players moving inside from wide positions, which has been a cornerstone of his teams at Valencia and Sevilla.
Emery’s teams are known for their transitional attacks, equipping them to dominate possession when necessary. These strategies are maintained at Aston Villa, with players like Ollie Watkins showcasing their prowess in linking play and running in behind, ably supported by the likes of Moussa Diaby.
At Paris Saint-Germain, Emery had a squad that could control the ball for lengthier periods of possession than his previous teams. During his time in Ligue 1, he used a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formation most commonly, allowing his defensive midfielder to retract towards the central defense, thus encouraging both full-backs to advance.
This style of sustained possession has been replicated at Aston Villa. Watkins has emerged as the main central threat during sustained possession, often supported by two number 10s – Diaby and McGinn narrowing. The backline often transforms into a trio, with the far-side full-back encouraged to join in with delayed forward runs.
Emery’s teams are recognized for their high defensive lines in an attempt to defend away from goal. They emphasize an aggressive press and minimizing spaces between the lines. If a high defensive line is impractical, or an opponent has bypassed the high pressure, Emery organizes his players into a mid-block, with a double pivot providing cover in front of the central defenders.
This defensive strategy is visible in his Villa team, which maintains a 4-4-2 out-of-possession structure and a high, aggressive backline, even within a mid-block. The likes of Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby form the first line, covering and screening central spaces, forcing the ball wide.
Often, Emery instructs his team to play with a back six in their own final 3rd which then forces their wingers into more central positions, crowding opposition play.
Emery’s teams’ efficiency in both defensive and attacking aspects is quite remarkable. Unai Emery’s style of play at Aston Villa is not just about being defensive. His teams also display efficient attacking patterns that help them achieve the perfect balance.
In the final third, Villa can play through the middle extremely well, thanks to a stable structure. The central three attackers keep close to each other and quickly link up and attack the middle as soon as they receive a split pass. Furthermore, the close distance between each other in the middle of the shape helps them combine extremely well.
Unai Emery’s style of play at Aston Villa is a blend of meticulously structured formations, sustained possession, high defensive lines, and efficient final third attacking. His approach to the game has been instrumental in transforming Villa’s performance and propelling them to greater heights in the league.
Emery’s Trust in Watkins: A Masterstroke
One of the key factors in Aston Villa’s resurgence has been the form of striker Ollie Watkins. Watkins had struggled for form at the start of the season, scoring just two league goals prior to Emery’s appointment. However, Emery showed faith in Watkins, making him the main man up front. This decision has paid off handsomely, with Watkins hitting a rich vein of form. The striker has either scored or set up a goal in 11 of his last 12 games, making him one of the most influential players in the Premier League in 2023.
Watkins’ Role Under Emery Under Emery, Watkins has been given a more central role, with the striker now focusing on making smart runs rather than expending energy on wide runs into the channels. This approach has allowed Watkins to be more productive, with the striker now taking more shots per game and touching the ball more often inside the box. His goal conversion rate has also improved significantly under Emery, further highlighting the positive impact of the Spanish manager’s tactical adjustments.
Emery’s Transfer Acumen: Strengthening the Squad
Emery’s impact has not been limited to the tactical side of the game. The Spanish manager has also shown his acumen in the transfer market, bringing in three world-class players to strengthen the squad. The signings of Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres, and Youri Tielemans have added quality and depth to the squad, allowing Aston Villa to compete on multiple fronts.
Key Signings Under Emery Moussa Diaby, signed from Bayer Leverkusen, adds pace and creativity to the Villa attack. Pau Torres, a Spanish international, bolsters the defense, while Youri Tielemans, a free signing from Leicester City, adds quality and experience to the midfield. Each of these signings represents a significant coup for Aston Villa, and their performances on the pitch have played a crucial role in the club’s resurgence under Emery.
Aston Villa’s Prospects Under Emery
With Emery at the helm, the future looks bright for Aston Villa. The club’s remarkable turnaround under his leadership suggests that they are capable of challenging for a top-four finish and qualifying for European competition. The transformation of the Aston Villa style of play under Emery has been nothing short of phenomenal, with the team now playing with a confidence and swagger that was previously lacking.
Looking Ahead As Aston Villa prepares for their Champions League qualification challenge, there is a palpable sense of optimism and excitement among the club’s supporters. The team has shown that they can compete with the best in the Premier League, and with Emery’s tactical genius and astute transfer dealings, they have every chance of continuing their impressive rise.
In conclusion, Unai Emery’s arrival at Aston Villa has heralded a new era of success for the club. His tactical nous, faith in key players, and shrewd transfer business have transformed the team’s fortunes, culminating in a remarkable resurgence. The Aston Villa style of play under Emery is a joy to watch, and with the team now competing at the top end of the Premier League, the future looks incredibly bright for the Villans.
