Aston Villa delivered another convincing home performance yesterday, full of purpose, control, and confidence. From the first whistle, Villa looked assured, fully in command of the rhythm, and worthy of the three points. The league table confirms it; Villa now sit sixth, and there is nothing flattering about our position.
The standout players for man of the match came down to two names: Emiliano Martinez and Buendia. Both were superb, both were central to the story of the afternoon. If there has to be a winner, it goes narrowly to Martinez. His penalty save tipped it in his favour for me, a moment of class that underlines his world-class status. He managed the game superbly, projected calm, and produced the big moment when needed most.
Buendia, though, offered something equally encouraging. His movement, touch, and vision are getting sharper by the week. After a spell out, he finally looks close to rediscovering his true level. The idea of him hitting one hundred percent again should genuinely worry our opponents. He stitched moves together, demanded the ball, and drove Villa forward. A fully firing Buendia will elevate Villa even further.
If there was one player who did not quite rise to the same level as the rest, it was Ollie Watkins. He worked hard, pressed well, and played his part, but Villa operated at such a high level around him that he looked slightly off the pace. There were moments where he seemed flat-footed receiving the ball, and one instance in particular where Buendia’s frustration showed when a clever pass went to waste. Watkins is still a vital component of our team, and when his sharpness returns, Villa will become even harder to defend against. His goals will come. They always do.
What stood out overall was the squad depth on display. When Emery turned to his bench, the quality did not drop. It rose. That is the true hallmark of a team pushing for Europe. The substitutions reinforced the structure, kept the tempo high, and showed the blend of talent and intelligence running through the squad. Emery is conducting this team with real authority; his game management and tactics show in every minute Villa play lately.
This was not just a win. It was another step in a season that now feels purposeful. We are rising, building momentum, and showing that sixth place is not a ceiling but a platform. The football is confident, the squad is balanced, and the manager is in full control. UTV
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