Five Reasons to Be Happy as Villains
Villa are well-placed in both tournaments after another European victory and a comfortable performance against Luton Town. Here are my five reasons to be optimistic as Villa travel to Nottingham.
Arizona Kicking
Emery decided to play several heavy hitters in perhaps the toughest tie in the group away at Alkmaar after a sluggish first two group stage games against Legia Warsaw and Zrinjski Mostar. Villa’s midfield featured Kamara, Luiz, and Mcginn, with Ollie Watkins leading the line for the first time in Europe since an earlier play-off round trip to Scotland.
AZ were flying high in their own league, with the bizarre 4-3 loss to Zrinjski the only blemish on an otherwise flawless season. However, they were in for a surprise when they faced their English opponents. Villa dominated the game from the start, winning 4-1 on the night thanks to outstanding performances from Tielemans and Bailey in particular. The victory implies that if Villa can beat AZ at home, qualifying will become more possible, with only two games remaining to ensure the group is won.
Home Amenities
While Villa have finally taken off in Europe, they have been equally excellent at home. Villa’s Premier League play has been consistently outstanding since Emery came a year ago, so while they have surprised some by sitting five points clear in fifth place (before the weekend’s games), Villa fans aren’t astonished. Despite missing four starting XI players from last season’s stunning finish due to injury, Villa have dominated the majority of opponents this season, notably a 4-1 victory against last season’s Europa Conference League winners West Ham and a thumping 6-1 victory over media darlings Brighton.
As Villa climbs the table, the pressure will likely mount, but Emery’s men have proven to be resilient in the face of adversity and to recover fast from setbacks. With Nottingham Forest and Fulham remaining to play in the league before the next international break, Villa might edge out other Champions League contenders as December approaches.
If Villa can build a point cushion ahead of games against Arsenal and Manchester City, they may be able to approach these games with less fear and more confidence. A win at Forest will undoubtedly give the players hope that something remarkable may be accomplished this year, a year when a fifth Champions League slot could be added to the Premier League.
Crazy Jamaican Me
Leon Bailey’s first two seasons at Villa were not very successful. The first saw him sidelined by injury before struggling to make an impression under newly recruited manager Steven Gerrard. Bailey’s second season was not much better, as Gerrard’s Villa side never got going, and despite newly-appointed Emery boosting the fortunes of the most of the group, he just couldn’t find any consistency on the pitch.
This season, on the other hand, has been a whole different tale. Emery has definitely discovered some magic, as Villa fans are finally seeing the Leon Bailey that was promised. So far, he has three league goals and two assists in the equivalent of three full matches (269 minutes). In addition, he has three goals and two assists in five appearances in Europe.
His recent interviews have indicated that he is very much on board with the manager and is willing to be rotated as long as it results in victories and a more productive season for him. His redemption narrative at Villa could become more interesting as the season progresses, as he certainly plays an essential role in Villa’s assault on both the domestic and European fronts.
Hopefully, his form will give him more confidence, which will re-energize the fans.
Zaniolo Wishes
When news of the Italian betting scandal broke, it appeared that Nicol Zaniolo’s Villa career was coming to an end, as he is now just on loan with an option to buy. Although not confirmed, it appears that the Italian may merely face a punishment because his gambling allegedly comprised casino-style activities rather than sports betting, as was the case with the now-banned Sandro Tonali.
This would be a significant lift for both the team and the player. Although he has had difficulty finding the net thus far, the raw energy and promise are visible to all. Fans will begin to see why some Roma fans labeled him as the next ‘Totti’ only a few years ago after he builds a bond with the likes of Watkins and Diaby.
Emery has a plethora of options to unlock defenses with a Villa assault that includes Zaniolo, Ramsey, Bailey, and Diaby beside and behind Watkins.
Significant Increase
The footage surfacing from Bodymoor Heath of a happy Alex Moreno returning to full training provide yet another huge boost to Villa’s congested November schedule. Moreno was at the vanguard of Villa’s ascension to the top of the table in 2023. Moreno, who was relatively unknown to most Villa supporters before to his arrival, instantly wowed fans with his enthusiasm, explosive pace, and determination to rush at the opposition.
Villa’s left wing destroyed Newcastle at Villa Park during the conclusion of last season, but it has yet to appear this season due to injuries to both Moreno and Ramsey. Digne and Zaniolo have done an excellent job of generating issues down the left side, with Digne in particular creating a lot of scoring chances. Nonetheless, Moreno’s eventual comeback will give much-needed depth to a Villa side facing a hectic end-of-season schedule, and he will allow the team to attack opposition in a more penetrating manner than the existing alternatives allow.
