Aston Villa have just become the first club in Europe to reach one landmark this season after their 3-2 victory over Luton.
Unai Emery’s side picked up their third Premier League win on the bounce on Saturday as they overcame the Hatters late on.
Villa went 2-0 at half-time thanks to an Ollie Watkins double. However, Luton pulled the score back to 2-2 with less than 20 minutes to go. As it looked as if the visitors would have to settle for a point, up popped Lucas Digne to net a last-gasp winner to give Villa all three points in another Emery masterclass.
The victory was highly important for the club as it kept them fourth in the league and five points above Spurs after their win over Crystal Palace.
With the club aiming to reach a Champions League place, one eye-catching stat emerged explaining one reason Villa are doing so well this season.
Set plays are key for Aston Villa
Villa took the lead against Luton thanks to another wonderful corner routine. Leon Bailey whipped in a fantastic ball to Watkins’ head who guided it into the back of the net.
Set pieces have been a real threat for Villa all season and have been key to them finding the net multiple times this campaign. Now, it has emerged that the club are arguably the most successful set-piece takers in Europe.
Watkins’ headed goal was Villa’s 20th goal from a set play, making them the first club in Europe to reach that landmark this season.
Emery has changed a lot of things at the club since he walked through the doors at Villa Park but their set-piece success has perhaps gone under the radar.
Unai Emery’s masterclass
The Champions League is now looking more likely than not for Villa next season. With the club five points clear of fifth and 11 clear of Man United, a spot in Europe’s most prestigious competition is closing in.
Much of this is down to the brilliance of Emery. The manager has taken over a side fighting relegation and turned them into title contenders in just over a season.
Little tweaks to areas like set plays have done wonders for the club and have given the side more dynamics and threats.
With only 11 games left to go in the Premier League hopefully, Emery can get the club over the line in the final weeks.
