Aston Villa surge under Unai Emery as Champions League hopes brighten

TOM COLLOMOSSE of FOOTBALL Aston Villa’s 3‑1 victory over Viking at Villa Park has propelled Unai Emery’s side to joint‑top of the Champions League league phase, securing a strong foothold in the competition and underscoring the manager’s growing influence in the Premier League.

Emery’s transformation and Villa’s revival

Two questions sprang to mind on a night of contrasting fortunes for Premier League clubs in the Champions League in October 2026: why have Manchester United never made a concerted attempt to hire Unai Emery, and why would the Aston Villa boss consider moving to Old Trafford now? Emery is approaching his fourth anniversary at Villa Park, having taken over when the club hovered on the brink of relegation.

Since that appointment he has guided Villa to Champions League qualification twice and lifted the Europa League last season, turning a relegation‑threatened side into a European contender. Meanwhile, United have cycled from sacking Erik ten Hag to hiring Ruben Amorim and then replacing the Portuguese with Michael Carrick, yet never mounted a serious bid for the Premier League’s best pound‑for‑pound manager.

Villa’s summer overhaul saw six players from last season’s Europa League final depart, prompting doubts after a heavy defeat at Brighton on opening day. Nevertheless, new signings such as Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson are already making an impact, while Ibrahim Mbaye, Joao Gomes and a fully fit Leon Goretzka add depth. Alysson is coming into form, Zion Suzuki appears ready to challenge Emi Martinez for the goalkeeper’s shirt, and doubts linger only over the defence in Ezri Konsa’s absence.

Champions League win and what lies ahead

In the match, Ross Barkley’s header and Emi Buendia’s penalty gave Villa a 2‑0 lead at half‑time, and Alysson’s cross, deflected off Henrik Heggheim, produced the third goal. Peter Christiansen pulled one back for Viking late on, but the 3‑1 result took Villa to joint‑top of the league phase standings.

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The side now sit level on a maximum nine points, a tally that was sufficient to reach the play‑off round in the previous campaign, with fifteen points still to contest. The joint‑top position reflects the consistency Emery has instilled across the squad.

Despite winning twelve major trophies, Emery still receives mixed recognition. Former England defender Matthew Upson described him as “a safe pair of hands for any club”, a comment the article questions given Emery’s status as one of the world’s great managers.

Emery is also the best‑paid employee at Villa, earning an annual salary of about £15 million, placing him in the top bracket of world‑class managers and justifying the club’s investment.

Fans chant the end for Carrick as United falter at Bournemouth

Alejandro Garnacho, on loan from Chelsea, continues to have a confusing time at Villa Park. The former United winger made a late substitute appearance, yet has yet to start a game and doubts remain about his future. He may feature in the Carabao Cup at Bournemouth, but a £43 million permanent move appears unlikely, leaving January as a pivotal month for his career.

Villa lined up in a 3‑4‑2‑1 formation: Zion Suzuki; John Lindelof, William Torres, and Mohamed Mings; Alysson (with Hemmings and Joao Gomes covering), Leon Goretzka; Ross Barkley, Jacob Cash, Ibrahim Mbaye; Conor McGinn, Emi Buendia and Nicolas Jackson (with Abraham as an option). Manager Unai Emery oversaw the performance, with referee Sebastian Gishamer officiating.