Unai Emery marked his third anniversary at Aston Villa in perfect style as his side battled to a gritty 1-0 victory that ended Manchester City’s nine-game unbeaten streak. The win lifted Villa Park to its feet and reminded everyone that Emery’s revolution in Birmingham is no fluke.
When Emery replaced Steven Gerrard in 2022, few could have predicted the transformation that followed. Villa have gone from nervy underachievers to one of the Premier League’s most disciplined and daring outfits. After a shaky start to the campaign and a surprise Europa League loss to Go Ahead Eagles, the hosts needed a statement performance. They delivered it in full.
Villa struck the decisive blow after just 19 minutes. From a corner that City furiously contested, Matty Cash pounced on a loose ball and drilled a precise left-foot finish beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma. City players protested that Lucas Digne had fouled Matheus Nunes in the build-up, but the referee waved away their complaints as Villa Park erupted.
Two minutes later came City’s best chance of the afternoon. Phil Foden slipped in Erling Haaland, and the Norwegian, usually ice-cold in front of goal, saw his low effort blocked by the outstanding Emiliano Martinez. It was the story of the day for Pep Guardiola’s weary side, who looked flat and frustrated after their midweek Champions League trip to Villarreal.
As the second half wore on, Villa smelled blood. Captain John McGinn’s thunderous volley was charged down by Ruben Dias, and Donnarumma had to produce a stunning double save to deny Jadon Sancho after the winger danced through the City defence.
City did have their moments. Brazilian winger Savinho almost rescued them with a fierce volley, but Pau Torres was on hand to hook it brilliantly off the line. When Haaland finally bundled the ball into the net late on, the flag went up instantly for offside. It summed up his and City’s miserable afternoon.
The final whistle was met with wild cheers from the Holte End. Villa’s players hugged, Emery pumped his fists, and Guardiola could only stare into the distance. His side had missed the chance to climb into second place, while Villa celebrated a fourth straight league win and a statement of real intent.
This was a victory built on graft, organisation, and belief. Under Emery, Aston Villa are no longer just contenders for the top six. On this evidence, they are a side ready to challenge anyone — even the champions.