One Down, 37 To Go

Perhaps a little surprisingly, Villa opened the 2024-25 season with a win away to West Ham. I say surprisingly because the preseason was, of necessity, more than a bit deceptive. Knowing that he could rely on his veterans to continue on, Emery conducted truly extended training by fielding all sorts of combinations throughout the summer to see what he has. It didn’t result in a string of victories and that might have been a bit worrisome, but fears were eased considerably when the core squad opened the season with three points in a generally assured fashion.

While West Ham will always pose a threat and are a good side, Villa definitely opened brighter, controlling possession and ultimately squandering the opportunity to blow the game open in the first half. Wouldn’t have been unfair at all had Villa entered the break up 3-0. But they didn’t, and a penalty leveled things. Watching the side lose its way a little in the second half, Emery went to the bench and got what he was looking for: fresh impetus that led to a fine goal and a deserved win.

You’ve got to like it. Resilient, calm, and players that can change things. Excellent way to open a season and start getting your feet under you. It was a quality win and we’ve almost begun to take it for granted. That’s how much expectations have been raised because that’s how good a job Emery has done.

Arsenal obviously represent a much sterner test. A very good team and a very good manager who might be a bit precious. But we can’t deny they’ve climbed into firm second place with a good chance of being first. Having done the double on them last season, and in doing so ultimately taken the points they needed to finish top, I imagine they’re going to be more than a little motivated. So I’m glad this one’s at home.

Naturally, the game’s dynamics will be the interesting part. Are Villa pinned back? Is it more even? Do Villa somehow maintain the impetus? Will we see the longer balls they were attempting last week? Has Sterling signed? (I’ve not read anything yet today.)

Can Villa beat them again? Of course. Will they? Odds are probably against it. But if anything, we’ve learned never to underestimate Emery, and with fresh legs and Champions League awaiting, I imagine the boys will be up for it and looking to lay down an early marker. Me, I’d be happy with a draw, but something tells me I’m holding out for a win. My heart tells me lots of silly things. But these days, they don’t seem as silly, and I’d rather that than wondering how narrow we can keep the margin of defeat.

You’ll also notice I’m not advising Emery to park the bus and look for a counter or set piece to pull off the upset. That’s just not how he rolls. Might be how the game plays out, but it won’t be by design, which is partly why Onana joined.

Starting XI is unchanged, as I’d expect: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Onana, Bailey, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins.

Over to you.