Liam Duckstein
Aston Villa’s Remarkable Run
Could 2026 be the year Aston Villa end their trophy drought? Under Unai Emery, the team has secured nine straight wins across all competitions, inching closer to the club’s historic 11-game winning streak set in 1897. This impressive run has thrust them into the title conversation.
Their journey hasn’t been smooth. Villa failed to win any of their opening five Premier League matches and went longer than any other side in the football league without scoring. Yet, they now sit third in both the Premier League and Europa League, hinting at a potential end to their 28-year trophy drought.
Defining Moments Ahead
Villa’s upcoming fixtures could define their role in the title race. They host Manchester United on Sunday, followed by a trip to Chelsea and a clash with league leaders Arsenal. These matches will determine if Villa are to be kings or kingmakers.
Emery remains cautious, avoiding external pressures to declare Villa as title contenders. However, the stats speak volumes. Since their only Premier League defeat against Liverpool in October, Villa have won six consecutive top-flight games. Their recent 3-2 comeback win over West Ham showcased their resilience and momentum.
Emery’s Ambitious Vision
Emery’s approach has been one of evolution rather than revolution. Seven players from his first match in charge—a 3-1 victory against United in November 2022—remain pivotal. Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Emi Buendia, and Ollie Watkins started, while John McGinn and Boubacar Kamara came off the bench. Tyrone Mings and Lucas Digne were also involved.
Reflecting on last season, Emery believes Villa can achieve even more. “The last year is an example and it’s an experience for us. Sometimes we were performing well, we were achieving our objective, but maybe if we were getting our demands higher, maybe even we could get something more,” he said.
The Long Wait for Silverware
Villa’s last major trophy came in 1996 when they lifted the League Cup. Since then, they have lost two FA Cup finals and one League Cup final. The squad’s determination is palpable, with captain John McGinn expressing their drive to prove their worth.
“Every time we go into a big game now, we have that determination in the back of our heads to prove this team we have built over the past five or six years is worth more than a quarter-final, worth more than a semi-final,” McGinn told reporters.
As Villa prepare to face Manchester United, the anticipation builds. Can they turn their ambitions into reality and end their long wait for silverware?