Mildlands | Villa look to continue improved form after international break

Are Villa back to their best?

Villa fan Peter McCann gives us the fan perspective of a good winning run for Villa.

Disclaimer | This article contains the views of the Villa fan not those of Super Local Sports News

View from the stands at Villa Park

Wins against Fulham and Burnley, either side of a win at Feyenoord carried a sense of familiarity.

This recent upturn in form has been reminder of the composed, expansive football that has become synonymous with Unai Emery’s tenure.

Aside from the occasional lapse, Villa once again turned their high levels of possession (fifth-best in the Premier League so far) into meaningful control, with attacking rhythm starting to return. After a faltering start, four consecutive victories have eased early-season concerns among supporters.

The win against Bologna started the Villa revival

It was the performance in Rotterdam that offered the clearest indication of what this team might be capable of in the months ahead.

Feyenoord, unbeaten at home in the Eredivisie and conquerors of Bayern Munich and AC Milan in last season’s Champions League, posed one of Villa’s sternest tests to date. Emery’s side responded with a disciplined and mature 2-0 victory that underlined their growing confidence and tactical cohesion. 

You can watch the highlights in the video below

Two of Villa’s Dutch players, Marco Bizot and Lamare Bogarde, caught the eye. Bizot, summoned from the bench after Emi Martínez suffered an injury in the warm-up, produced a superb display reminiscent of Nigel Spink’s famous introduction in the 1982 European Cup final, also in Rotterdam. 

Bogarde, meanwhile, impressed with his composure and intelligence in midfield, stepping beyond the label of a ‘utility player’ to stake a strong claim for a regular starting place.

Villa’s depth should ensure they remain competitive on multiple fronts this season, though key figures such as Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers are still working towards full sharpness. The true measure of Emery’s side may come after the international break, when they face four of the current top five in succession. A run of games that could define the limits, or possibilities, of their ambitions.