There is a lot to like about what Unai Emery has done so far while in charge of Aston Villa. This past season in particular gave supporters a lot of legitimate hope that the club will not only continue to progress the ranks in the Premier League but that Villa can also be a force in Europe.
The lack of silverware may frustrate those who are only looking for one moment to see Villa host a trophy at the end of a match. This becomes even more the case after watching others among Newcastle and Crystal Palace break through and find a way to win a competition. While that is the ultimate aim of all clubs, it is genuinely a realistic feat under Emery. Certainly the efforts fell short during the 2024-2025 campaign.
With the Spaniard, however, Villa is in a position to do well for many years to come. His approach has shifted the overall mindset within the grounds. This past season, they may not have been able to secure silverware, but Villa fans could feel how close they were compared to some of the other past years.
Emery, the focus is on continuously improving the squad and developing the players to be able to fit in the system and then be able to contend on a regular basis with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool.
Winning in big moments and being able to emerge victorious from an FA Cup or European tournament does not just happen. Even for sides that may have entered as the overwhelming favorites, an element of luck, or more accurately, misfortune to the opposition, has to take place at some point along the route.
Right approach being used at Aston Villa
What a manager needs to be able to do is place his side in the best position and have his players prepared for as many scenarios as possible. Naturally, in a loss, the selections and tactics may be analyzed after the fact and be on the receiving end of criticism. More than that, Emery gets it right. More importantly than that, he has changed the culture at Villa and has this team believing that they can contend with whoever they line up against.
A lot is unknown. Who Emery even has available for selection for the upcoming season remains a mystery to this point. Rest assured, regardless of what happens during the summer transfer. Emery will have Villa ready, looking to contend for a top spot in the Premier League and in the other competitions, even if the media graphics refuse to acknowledge it.