With Aston Villa vs Arsenal on New Year, Unai Emery has ignited fans’ imaginations with simple declaration: “Dreams are free.” In a candid interview, the Spaniard outlined his “huge dream” of leading Villa to Champions League triumph. This echoed the ambitions that once defined his turbulent Arsenal tenure. With Villa sitting fourth in the Premier League after a stellar 2025, Emery’s words feel less like fantasy and more like a roadmap.
Echoes of Arsenal’s Ambition
Emery’s time at Arsenal from 2018 to 2019 was a whirlwind of Europa League glory but Premier League frustration. Sacked after 18 months, he left with lessons etched in silverware. Now, at Villa since October 2022, he’s transformed mid-table mediocrity into European contention. “Everyone has to dream,” Emery insists. “I have my dream and I am here getting it.” His latest target? Replicating Arsenal’s recent resurgence—title challengers under Mikel Arteta—by blending grit with glamour. Villa’s 2024/25 campaign boasts 10 wins from 19 games, fueled by Ollie Watkins’ 15 goals and a watertight defense.
🚨🗣️ Unai Emery on the game against Arsenal next week: "It will be a different match, at the Emirates they are so, so strong…"
"We are being consistent in our way but this is the biggest challenge we will face because they are being consistent." pic.twitter.com/LLb4sVpkUW
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 27, 2025
Building the Dream Squad
January’s transfer window looms large. Emery hints at activity without extravagance, prioritizing youth and value. “We will be active if opportunities arise,” he says, eyeing midfield reinforcements to sustain the push. Backed by owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris, Villa’s £200m+ investments in players like Douglas Luiz and Moussa Diaby have paid dividends. Yet, Unai Emery tempers hype: focus remains on consistency, not coronation.
🚨 𝗗𝗜𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪: If Aston Villa beat Arsenal tonight, Unai Emery will set a new record with 12 consecutive wins in club HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/EFJO31fFQP
— William Saliba (@WilliamSalibba) December 30, 2025
The Road to European Royalty
Qualifying for the Champions League is step one; winning it, the Everest. Emery’s pedigree—four Europa League titles—positions Villa uniquely. Against Arsenal, victory vs Aston Villa could propel them into third, amplifying the dream. As fireworks light Birmingham skies, Villa faithful chant: dreams may be free, but Emery’s making them priceless. In football’s theater, Villa’s script is rewriting itself—one ambitious step at a time.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
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