Just shy of the halfway mark inside the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, Unai Emery's Aston Villa have been the surprise package. In with a real shot of the top four, Emery's Villa are even within touching distance of the Premier League title chase, currently sitting a single point behind Arsenal in the lead. With that, we analyze what has made Unai Emery's Aston Villa so remarkable this season.
Newcastle United have been defined in the Eddie Howe era by energy and intensity, including an all-out press, and fervid counter attacking immediately upon regaining possession. Anthony Gordon perfectly embodies the Newcastle way under Eddie Howe, and has been one of the surprise stars of the 2023-24 season. Many scoffed at Chelsea's interest in the former Everton youngster at the start of last season, particularly the price tag bestowed upon him. But Gordon is proving to be a priceless acquisition for the Magpies this season, bringing his tireless tenacity to the table every game. Here is Game of Numbers #35.
Scoring goals is not always as easy as it looks! The best strikers in the world make it look oh so simple, but like the Wizards of Waverly Place theme song, it's not what it seems. Yet some players seem to find their way out of any situation. After this weekend's round of fixtures, I analyze two of those players who make scoring look oh so easy - Ollie Watkins and Lautaro Martinez. Here is Game of Numbers #29, featuring a pair who notched seven goals between them at the weekend.
In one of the steals of the summer so far, Aston Villa have pulled off an absolute coup in signing Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, one of the most highly sought after players in the world. Diaby could have gone to a Champions League club with ease, but has chosen to work under Unai Emery's growing project at Aston Villa. It's a clear sign of the pull Emery has in the transfer market, but also a clear demonstration of Aston Villa's ambitions, and their awareness of which players perfectly fit the way they want to play. Here is why Diaby is perfect for the Villains.
Unai Emery has been one of the most esteemed managers of the modern era, to little fanfare given that much of his managerial success has come in competitions like the Europa League and Ligue 1. But Emery is yet to truly fail in a managerial role, and looks prepared to only continue his incredible reputation at Aston Villa. When he took over from Steven Gerrard, Villa were hovering around the relegation zone, desperately trying to stay afloat. Now they've attained four wins from their last six matches, in a robust 4-4-2 system that has dragged them all the way toward the top ten. Here is our analysis of how Emery has achieved so much success in his early days at Villa Park.
Following a Premier League campaign that featured his first two starts for Aston Villa, the young Lion has utilised the UEFA Under-19 European Championships as an opportunity to stake his claim for a spot in Steven Gerrard's first team squad next season. If not for Gerrard's team, there may even be a chance for a loan move to develop his trade, before the inevitable moment in which he will become an elite level Premier League midfielder.
Steven Gerrard's recruitment team have been extremely busy in the first few months under his leadership. From being one of the greatest footballers of his generation and a man with an ever-growing reputation, Gerrard provides a massive pull-power, securing the services of Philippe Coutinho in his first month at the club. Now preceding an underwhelming 14th place finish in the league last season, the Villains have pinpointed the exact areas of the side that need improving. We've already seen the permanent additions of Philippe Coutinho, Robin Olsen, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos, taking the rest of the Premier League by storm. The window only officially opened for business on June 10th, but the early business from Gerrard's men arrows toward an exhilarating season in store for Villa Park's supporters.
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