We are just under a quarter of the way through the season so far, with the international break upon us, let’s take a look at what Aston Villa have gotten right.
Unai Emery’s side currently find themselves in fifth place in the Premier League, a very positive start to the season.
With that being said there have been some issues, the 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United springs to mind. But since then there has been much more to be positive about as a whole.
What are the top five things Villa and Emery have got right so far?
1. The Brighton game
Wins don’t get much better than this one. The darling of the Premier League, Brighton and Hove Albion, getting smashed to pieces at Villa Park.
Everyone loves to watch the Seagulls. Not as much as the Villains love playing against them mind. Since 2016, six wins, five draws and a single loss against Brighton.
With that being said, they are a different animal nowadays.
Even so, Emery was able to change his ways for the game and find a way to win.
Letting Brighton play their game and let them pass the ball around while sitting in a defensively sound shape. When they ran out of ideas, Villa pounced to great effect.
Playing more long balls over the top of Adam Webster and Lewis Dunk was another obvious tactic which worked a treat.
A great win and one of the best performances of any team in the Premier League this season.
2. Signing Moussa Diaby
What a player. Enough said.
The Frenchman may have cost a pretty penny but is one of the best players to wear the Claret and Blue for Villa in many years.
Quick, direct and often deadly in front of goal, he is a dream player in Emery’s 4-4-2.
There is a buzz around the stadium when he gets on the ball as he could literally do anything when he gets it.
Although he has been quieter in recent weeks, he still makes an impact. This is a signing that Villa got right, that is for sure.
3. Signing Nicolo Zaniolo
Nobody really knew what to expect of Zaniolo. An Italian who had left his homeland for Turkey quite early in his career, joining the Villa on loan.
What the Villa faithful have found is a classy, arrogant attacker who just wants to run with the ball and create.
Coming on against Burnley, shirt tucked in, hair flowing and his song over the terraces, he captured the imagination immediately.
He is yet to score, but he adds something different. With the injuries to Jacob Ramsey and Emiliano Buendia, he will prove to be very useful.
4. Keeping Lucas Digne
Digne joined the club for a large fee and on a sizable wage, which appeared to be part of the reason he had a foot out the door this summer.
Nonetheless, he stayed at Villa Park and what a season he has had so far. One goal and five assists has shown fans what they nearly lost.
His ability to get forward has returned to what it was during his time at Everton. The crossing and shooting on display has been top-class.
Considering he was nearly loaned out and replaced, his importance this season has been there for all to see. This is one that the club got right by not letting him go.
5. Trusting Ollie Watkins
A lot of people owe Watkins an apology.
It must be said that until his goal against Chelsea, he hadn’t scored for well over 10 Premier League games. That as a stat isn’t good enough.
Once he got the goal at Stamford Bridge, a fire was relit and the Watkins Villa fans know and love returned.
Against Brighton, he was unstoppable. Three goals is just the tip of the iceberg, his holdup and running were top-class.
Despite not scoring against Wolves, he was once again superb. Jhon Duran had been gaining hype, but Watkins has reclaimed his throne.
Emery believed in his man and this is yet another thing he got right.
