Reviewing 2023: Aston Villa Sets New Records!
In Villa’s contemporary age, 2023 was a year unlike any other. These are the highlights of 2023 for you to enjoy. Did you have any special moments?
85 Points & 32 Wins
One of the most overused terms in football is “fortress.” But in 2023, under Emery’s leadership, Villa Park turned into a veritable fortress as Villa finished the season with an astounding 53 points [a total of 85 points!]. Playing in front of the home crowd seemed for many years to further hinder Villa’s uninterested teams, but in 2023, with their impressive away performance, this was erased as they won 32 games across all competitions. This is the club record for all time. Amazing!
15 Home Wins in a Row
Villa broke records for all the wrong reasons for a long time. Paul Lambert, the former manager, is infamous for his record-breaking mistakes throughout his tenure. Things are very different under Emery. The team’s 15 home victories, which set a new standard, played a significant role in this team’s ascent to the top of the division. With treble-winning Manchester City defeated, soaring Arsenal put to the test, and a thrilling 3-2 triumph against Burnley to start the New Year, this was no small feat in terms of opponents. In 2023, Villa has the most home points [53] of any Premier League team.
Ollie Watkins Assists
As of this writing, Ollie Watkins has eight assists this season, more than any other player in the top five European leagues. The Villa striker has had an incredible 2023, and his place in the England team is a just reward. In 2023, Watkins has contributed directly to 32 Premier League goals (11 assists and 21 goals). The only players who have contributed more for their respective teams this year are Salah (Liverpool) and Haaland (Man City). In February, Watkins made history by becoming the first Villa player to score in five straight Premier League games!
Outstanding Performance
Few Villa fans can remember seeing a performance as thorough and complete as the one that was seen against Manchester City (1-0) in the beginning of December. Villa supporters have a long collective memory. As Emery orchestrated the tactical devastation of Pep Guardiola’s reigning domestic and European champion team, Villa Park was rocking. As a matter of fact, Villa gave the Spaniard the worst results of any team he has managed. Villa not only controlled in midfield and went on the rampage, but they also neutralized one of the strongest attackers in world football right now. City just managed two shots on target and didn’t draw a single corner. The triumph and performance will be remembered for a very long time.
European Return
When the team fired Steven Gerrard in October 2022, a relegation struggle seemed more likely than a European challenge. After that, Villa had an incredible transformation in terms of organization and attention, which produced an unbelievable run of results that culminated in the team winning 2-1 against Brighton on the penultimate day to secure Europa Conference League football. The club’s 13-year absence from European competition came to an end with a 7th place finish; Villa won their group after defeating Legia Warsaw, AZ Alkmaar, and Zrinjski. In March 2024, Villa will return to the tournament with the anticipation of a final 16 opponent that has not yet been determined. Is Villa able to win it all?
What’s in store for 2024?
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