‘Fallen Giants back on their feet’ - How Aston Villa rose again:

It is no secret that Aston Villa, a historic English club, are steadily on their way to the top once again, challenging and competing in the top ranks of league football and in Europe. But just how has this transformation happened? What are the contributing factors to seeing the 'fallen giants' back on their feet?

In October 2022, Steven Gerrard was sacked from his position as manager of Aston Villa, as the club sat at the brink of relegation. Despite him creating something to build on in this period, much toxicity had arose following recent poor results , and with the relationship between the former player and Villa fans breaking down entirely, a change in the role was necessary. The club went on to appoint European great Unai Emery, who got to work immediately to get the club back to where it belongs.

When Emery arrived, Aston Villa got back to winning ways, particularly in home fixtures, seeing the club finish 7th in the Premier League, securing their place in the Europa Conference League.  23/24 was Unai Emery's first full season with the club, where we saw an unbeaten run of 10 at home in the league, seeing Villa Park transform back into the fortress it once was. The Midlands club reached the semi-finals of the Conference League, but their league form was most impressive, finishing in 4th place of the Premier League, achieving Champions League football for the first time since the 80s.

This season, although the club have been what is considered inconsistent in the league, Villa are grabbing brilliant results, such as against Manchester City. But it’s in the Champions League where they have impressed most, beating the likes of Bayern Munich and Club Brugge etc, and are now looking towards the quarter-finals.

Aston Villa fans dare to dream again.