It’s been a rollercoaster few months for Aston Villa. From the outside looking in, plenty of people had already written us off — the pundits, the papers, even a few of our own. And to be fair, after going five Premier League games without a win, it wasn’t exactly looking rosy. But fast forward a few weeks, and suddenly there’s a different feeling around Villa Park. Four wins on the bounce, confidence flowing, and belief starting to creep back in.
That run makes us just the second team in top-flight history to do it after such a poor start — the last being Preston North End back in 1936–37.
The Spurs game summed it up perfectly. Conceding early could’ve killed our confidence, but it didn’t. We stuck to Emery’s plan, played out from the back, pressed high, and kept our shape. Slowly, we took control and turned it around. It was also great to see Morgan Rogers back on the scoresheet after what’s been a slow start to the season for him.
Then came that afternoon against Manchester City. A packed-out Villa Park. To beat City for the third consecutive season — and become only the third team to manage that against Pep Guardiola — is some achievement. Villa started brightly and looked to assert themselves early on. Then, Matty Cash unleashed that howitzer from a slightly misplaced corner by Emi Buendia. Villa looked comfortable throughout.
City were limited to just two big chances — and crucially, Erling Haaland just one. Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres were immense, while Amadou Onana really came into his own alongside Boubacar Kamara. Ollie Watkins’ tireless running stretched City’s back line, with Rogers, Buendia, and Jadon Sancho all playing their part. Even Guessand came on and helped us see the game out, keeping possession and winning fouls brilliantly.
And of course, let’s not forget Matty Cash.
If I had to pick a player of the season so far, it’s between two — and they’re not names many expected to be in this conversation back in August.
Emi Buendia. What a start to the season he’s had. Here’s hoping his injury isn’t as bad as it looks. Five goal contributions already, and for a player who pushed to stay and fight for his place, that’s exactly the attitude you want to see.
Matty Cash. A player who’s divided opinion for years. One, a lot of us thought we could improve on. But this season, he’s been immense — Villa’s most consistent performer and chipping in with big goals for both club and country. He’s made me eat my words. Even when results weren’t going our way early on, Cash was one of the few who kept his standards high. His new contract, signed on Monday 27th October, and running until 2029, is fully deserved.
So… are Villa back?
It certainly feels like it. There’s belief again. There’s an identity. There’s that bit of swagger we’ve missed. We’re playing with purpose, the fans are right behind the team, and Villa Park is rocking once more.
Long may it continue. Up the Villa.
