Aston Villa’s best campaign for a generation has entered its final month, where the outcome from the first of potentially six matches is likely to set the tone.
At the very least, it will be a season to remember. The worst-case scenario is a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, which would be their highest position since 1996-97, coupled with a deep European run that just falls short.
At the other end of the spectrum, it could be phenomenal, a season for the ages which ends with silverware and Champions League football next season. Not since 1996 have they either finished fourth or won a major trophy.
“When you are progressively getting better, being successful, being consistent, learning quickly and being competitive, it’s not a surprise,” said Villa boss Unai Emery.
“To keep it for a long time is very difficult. Now it’s the end of the season and we are clearly focusing on being a contender to get our objective: to be fourth and to get to the final.”
There is an in between, with fans not entirely unanimous on whether fourth or ending their trophy wait is a better outcome, but with both still a distinct possibility that remains a debate for pubs, phone-ins, WhatsApp group chats and the concourses of Villa Park.
The pursuit for fourth continues on Sunday at Brighton, which is sandwiched between their first European semi-final since 1982.
First up is the home leg on Thursday night against Olympiakos, where Villa will look to seize control of this Europa Conference League tie by taking a healthy lead to Greece next week.
A fast start against Olympiakos, therefore, would certainly not go amiss, and though easier said than done – the Greek side are unbeaten in their last five league games – it was something they struggled with in the first legs of their previous rounds against Ajax and Lille.
A 0-0 first-leg draw at a below-par Ajax in the last 16 came after Villa showed little intent to attack, recording just one shot on target and enjoying less possession than their opponents.
Villa would go on to blow Ajax away 4-0 in the return leg, an indication of what the competition favourites were truly capable of against this struggling outfit.
In the quarter-finals, a 2-1 first-leg win over Lille made for a nervier return leg than the Midlands club would have liked, with their opponents’ late goal no more than they deserved for an impressive performance.
Lille went on to dominate the return leg at home, but despite being largely outplayed Villa snuck through by winning the penalty shootout.
Ultimately, they had Emiliano Martinez to thank for staying in the competition, the goalkeeper who was injured against Chelsea and will therefore be absent against Olympiakos as Robin Olsen deputises.
“Martinez is very important and he’s being very competitive and helping us a lot. With an issue like with the yellow cards and the small injury he has, we have to protect, help, support and push other players in the squad,” added Emery.
“Robin Olsen is being very competitive every day in every training session. When he’s played, he’s helped the team and the team believes in him and trusts in his performances.
“For example, on Saturday he played 45 minutes against Chelsea and he saved us. As a man, he’s humble and is a very appreciated man in the dressing room. Hopefully he can help us and feel comfortable.”
What makes Villa fans most comfortable though is the presence of Emery in the dugout, a sight they will certainly see next season after he extended his contract to 2027.
Emery’s European pedigree has already seen the Spaniard win the Europa League four times, while the overachievement that was getting Villarreal to the Champions League semis in 2021-22 will certainly have Villa hopeful – should they reach that competition.
“My idea is to keep going even after it, to keep going in our development as a club,” added Emery.
“I don’t want to remember my past in Europe. Of course, I know it’s successful more than less, playing a lot of seasons in a row for a long time.
“It’s only practicing with the players we have that I can use my experiences to give in some moments with the players.
“It’s about creating a new way and trying to enjoy a new way. I know football is only about winning and I am here because I was more success.”
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