Published on 23.10.2023
Under the management of Unai Emery, Aston Villa continued their impressive performance by fending off West Ham, inching closer to the Premier League’s top four.
This Tuesday marks the anniversary of Emery’s appointment as the Villa manager, and his influence on the team since taking over from Steven Gerrard has been remarkable.
In a dynamic first half characterized by the fluid, attacking style Emery has promoted at Villa Park, Douglas Luiz initiated the scoring. The Brazilian midfielder later converted a penalty just after the halftime break.
A deflected shot from Jarrod Bowen created a tense period for the hosts. However, Ollie Watkins, an English striker, later fired in his eighth goal of the season for Villa.
Substitute Leon Bailey added a late goal to secure Villa’s 11th consecutive league victory at home, their best run since a 13-match winning streak when they were the reigning European champions in 1983.
Before Emery’s debut as the manager, Villa was languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, just one point clear of relegation. However, Emery guided them to European qualification last season, and now they are within a single point of securing a place in the Champions League.
Unai Emery: "I'm very proud for our work and overall with our supporters, because we are always playing here, feeling something special." 🤝
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 22, 2023
Emery’s arrival at Villa Park has rejuvenated several players, including Douglas Luiz. Previously viewed as a defensive midfielder, he managed to score three league goals during Gerrard’s year-long tenure.
Under Emery’s tactical approach, featuring three at the back and utilizing Matty Cash and Lucas Digne as wing-backs, Douglas Luiz has enjoyed the freedom to operate in a more advanced role. The 25-year-old had already tested West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, forcing him to divert a shot wide, before scoring in his sixth consecutive league game at Villa Park.
