Arsenal icon Thierry Henry has delivered a glowing verdict on Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, confessing he has been shocked by the team's dramatic transformation this season.
From Lazy Defending to Record-Breaking Form
Henry singled out the Spaniard as the Premier League boss who has impressed him the most as the campaign nears its halfway point. This praise comes after a stunning reversal in Villa's fortunes. The season began disastrously, with Villa failing to win any of their first six matches across all competitions. They did not score their first Premier League goal until matchweek five, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland.
Following that game, Emery himself criticised his team's "lazy" defending and admitted they lacked fight and a clear identity. The contrast with their current form could not be more stark.
A Remarkable Three-Month Turnaround
Aston Villa have now won 15 of their last 17 matches in all competitions, including their last nine consecutively. Six of those victories have come in the Premier League, setting a new club record for consecutive top-flight wins.
This incredible run has propelled Villa to third place in both the Premier League and their Europa League group. They sit just three points behind league leaders Arsenal, a position strengthened by their 2-1 victory over the Gunners a fortnight ago.
"No One Saw That Coming" - Henry's Verdict
Speaking to Betway, Henry expressed his astonishment at the team's revival under Emery's guidance. "I have to give Unai Emery a lot of credit because, come on, no one saw that coming," the Frenchman stated.
"The results Villa were getting, they looked lost. They looked like they were not going to be at it. We were looking at it like, is this going to be the end? But, wow, you have to give Emery his credit. He always finds a way."
Henry highlighted the unity and hard work instilled by the manager as key factors. "I'm impressed with the way they stayed united, because I couldn't see that coming," he admitted, while also cautioning that football's fortunes can change quickly. "In three months, we might be saying they went south again. But at this particular moment, the way he put everyone back together, he stayed focused and worked really hard."
Emery's impact at Villa Park continues to draw significant attention, with his ability to engineer such a rapid and effective turnaround earning plaudits from one of the game's most respected figures.
