Five key talking points as stellar Villa secure impressive win vs Man City

Aston Villa deservedly secured all three points in a 1-0 win over Manchester City on Wednesday night, and continued our exceptional home form.

That’s now 14 consecutive home league wins for Villa, after Leon Bailey’s second-half deflected strike saw off the reigning Premier League champions and moved us above them in the standings.

READ MORE: Villa player ratings vs Man City: Superb team performance in stunning win

With another big test coming up this weekend against Arsenal, it’s hoped Villa can continue our momentum, having put on a brilliant performance against Pep Guardiola’s side as we dominated for large periods and limited their threat throughout.

It was a memorable night at Villa Park in its own right, but that’s now 31 wins in 50 games under Unai Emery, and it’s hoped that it becomes 15 straight home league wins come Saturday evening.

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa an absolute joy

For just over a year now, we’ve been treated to great football, positive performances and results, and a clear identity and style developing in this side under Emery’s guidance.

That has led to a strong connection between the players and fans once again, and it creates memorable atmospheres both home and away as we continue to build a positive environment both on and off the pitch.

Our performance against City was magnificent, and while we of course have yet to achieve anything tangible in the form of silverware or more significant finishes over the course of a season, we can still enjoy every minute of what we’re seeing at the club right now.

Emi Martinez decisive yet again

It was a point that was re-emphasised last weekend after our draw at Bournemouth, and Emiliano Martinez delivered once again in this encounter.

His double save to deny Erling Haaland was fundamental to the outcome, and perhaps given the fact that he didn’t have much else to do after that, it can be forgotten with so many top-class performances across the pitch.

Coupled with his distribution and ability to command his area and organise his backline, it was another decisive and defining display from the World’s Best.

Kamara brings back fundamental balance

We undoubtedly missed Boubacar Kamara last weekend, as his defensive protection combined with his technical ability in possession adds a key dynamic in our midfield.

His return in midweek allowed Youri Tielemans to play more advanced and it restored our preferred midfield partnership with him and Douglas Luiz in the middle.

It was a performance of real class from Kamara as he dominated throughout and in turn helped us control and dictate proceedings, and so the last week has shown just how pivotal he is to Emery’s set-up and style of football too.

It does feel a little unfair to single out one or two players for praise given everyone was excellent against City, and so the likes of Tielemans, Luiz and John McGinn also deserved plenty of credit for their influence in midfield too as we had the perfect balance to impose ourselves in both phases of the game.

Bailey enjoying productive season

That’s now eight goals and six assists in 21 appearances across all competitions for Leon Bailey, who is starting to show more consistency and hit his top level.

The 26-year-old looks full of confidence, both in his ability and fitness, and it’s resulting in excellent performances where he is also now making a decisive impact in the final third.

His challenge, as is the same for all of his teammates, is to continue to improve and progress, and with competition for places fierce in that area of the pitch, it will be huge for us to see him maintain this level of productivity.

Crucial to follow it up vs Arsenal

Emery would no doubt have enjoyed the result against City, but he’ll likely be the first to switch his focus to Arsenal this weekend and prepare his side for another big assignment.

There is a fear to an extent that we could be a bit flat on Saturday off the back of such a superb display in midweek, but such is the consistency with which we’re playing, our clear identity and style in controlling games, and our momentum and form at home, it’s hoped we produce another big result.

The Villa boss was dismissive when it came to talk of our ability to compete at the very top of the table this season, but when it comes to trying to break into the top four or five, a win over Arsenal, to follow three points vs City, would be huge for confidence and belief within the squad and to build the experience of beating top sides on a consistent basis.

With Moussa Diaby, Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno well rested after coming off the bench late on, coupled with Matty Cash being an unused substitute, it’s also exciting to see our strength in depth if in need of changing things too.