Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s top tacticians, guiding his team to an impressive seventh straight win across all competitions with a 2-1 triumph over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The victory, secured at the City Ground, caps a remarkable run that has seen Villa assert their dominance in both domestic and European football, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Emery’s latest success follows a string of convincing results, beginning with a 2-0 FA Cup win over Cardiff City in early March. Since then, Villa have dispatched Club Brugge twice in the Champions League Round of 16 (3-1 and 3-0), alongside Premier League victories over Brentford (1-0), Preston (3-0), Brighton (3-0), and now Nottingham Forest. The seven-game winning streak highlights Emery’s tactical acumen and the squad’s growing cohesion, as they continue to compete on multiple fronts in the 2024-25 season.
Against Nottingham Forest, Villa showcased their resilience. Goals from Ollie Watkins and substitute Marco Asensio overturned an early deficit, with Emery praising his team’s composure under pressure. “We showed character today,” Emery said post-match. “Nottingham Forest are a tough side, but we stayed focused and executed our plan. This run is a testament to the players’ hard work and belief in our process.”
The Spaniard’s impact at Villa Park has been nothing short of transformative since his arrival in October 2022. After steering the club to Champions League qualification last season, Emery has elevated Villa into genuine contenders this term. Their emphatic 6-1 aggregate victory over Club Brugge in the Champions League last-16 tie underscored their European credentials, with Asensio’s brace in the second leg proving decisive.
Now, attention turns to a blockbuster showdown with PSG, a club Emery managed from 2016 to 2018, winning seven domestic trophies during his tenure. The quarter-final promises a personal subplot for the 53-year-old, who has expressed excitement about the matchup. “To play against PSG is special for me,” Emery noted earlier this week. “They are a fantastic team, but we are ready to compete at this level.”
Villa’s recent form has been bolstered by key contributions from across the squad. Watkins remains a talisman up top, while Asensio, on loan from PSG, has flourished under Emery’s guidance, scoring seven goals since joining in the winter transfer window. The manager’s ability to integrate new signings and maintain momentum despite a demanding schedule has drawn widespread praise.
With nine matches remaining in the Premier League season and a Champions League title still in sight, Villa fans are daring to dream of silverware. Emery, however, remains grounded. “Seven wins is great, but we want more,” he said. “The focus now is recovery and preparation for PSG. Every game is a new challenge.”