Former goalkeeper, Shaka Hislop has suggested that the job Unai Emery is doing at Aston Villa is very impressive given where they find themselves.
At the time of writing, Aston Villa are sitting in fourth place and find themselves just two points off top spot in the Premier League.
Considering the Villans were 17th when Unai Emery came into the club, to be so high in the league a third of the way through is amazing.
Last season didn’t start in the way that anyone wanted or expected it to. This saw Steven Gerrard be sacked by October. Villareal manager Emery was the chosen one and he came into much acclaim and excitement.
The excitement has become a reality as Villa have gone from strength to strength and are genuine Champions League contenders.
In recent weeks praise for the manager has been turned up, such have been the performances in the Premier League this season.
What has Shaka Hislop said about Unai Emery?
Shaka Hislop was a goalkeeper who featured for various Premier League teams in the 90s and early 00s. His best days were for West Ham, Reading and Portsmouth as he made over 300 appearances for the three.
He is now a pundit and following Aston Villa’s win over Tottenham, the former goalkeeper has discussed the Villans and their season on ESPN.
Comparing Villa to the other top four teams, he said: “Very, very impressive especially when you consider the resources, or lack of when you compare what Villa are willing to spend compared to the rest of the top four.”
It must be said that the Villa owners aren’t afraid to spend on players when it is necessary. But given the sides above are Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, they have better resources available. Villa’s record signing is £55m and is Moussa Diaby which pails into insignificance given the nine-digit fees paid by the others.
Continuing on, Hislop said: “And not just in terms of getting results, and while yes, ultimately, you’re judged by points on the table, the football that Villa’s playing really is outstanding.”
As it stands, Villa are just two points off the top of the table and are looking like Champions League is a realistic goal.
If things continue as they are right now, that famous anthem could be gracing Villa Park for the first time. It is always good for fans to hear from ex-pros like Hislop that they believe that Villa are a great side.
