There were concerns that Aston Villa would wane under Unai Emery’s management after a frustrating and turbulent summer transfer window that left the club with more questions than answers.
But the emphatic 4-0 win over Bournemouth before the November international break sealed Villa’s fifth win from six Premier League matches, lifting them up to sixth in the standings, just two points off third-place Chelsea.
That Anfield defeat stands as the one dot on the recent copybook, rather than a new and wider concern for Emery as his side lose their form and verve once again.
This team is ready to challenge for a Champions League spot and compete for silverware, domestically and abroad. The stars are rising to the occasion – again. Two of the club’s most important players stepped up big time against the Cherries.
The Villa stars who are stepping up
Aston Villa smashed Bournemouth on Sunday and four different Villans got themselves on the scoresheet. But it was the defensive third that arguably shone brightest, limiting the visitors to just 0.23 xG (expected goals) from open play.
Credit to Ezri Konsa – again. The 28-year-old has grown into one of the finest defenders in the country since joining Villa Park from Bristol City in July 2019.
Now, maturing as a leader, Konsa’s completeness at the rear has led Sky Sports’ Dan Bardell to claim he “gets into every Premier League team” apart from table-toppers Arsenal.
And, again, we must draw praise toward Emi Martinez, whose stormy summer on an individual level saw him come close to joining Manchester United. He wanted this move and left Villa Park at the end of the 2024/25 campaign with tearful eyes and grateful gesticulations toward the fans.
But the Argentina goalkeeper has been as strong as ever this year, and his penalty save against Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo proved significant in snuffing out danger and capitalising.
There was another star away from the offensive action at the weekend who continued his rise in form. Indeed, this defender has shaped into one of the Premier League’s finest in one regard.
The Villa star now “among the best in the league”
Continuity. At times, an underrated facet in football. Aston Villa’s backline have developed together over three campaigns, largely unaltered. This has drawbacks, because the football is always evolving and it never stops, but the intuitiveness across the back four and Martinez too emphasises the strength of Emery’s tactics.
He makes players better, and Matty Cash is a perfect example of this. The right-back joined Villa from Nottingham Forest for £16m in 2020, and he has since played 195 matches for the Midlands outfit, posting 12 goals and 12 assists apiece.
Now, the 28-year-old is considered a core part of the side, having started all 11 matches in the Premier League this season.
With such energy and gusto to blend attacking and defensive sides of the right-back game, Cash has made headway after an up-and-down 2024/25 season, thus negating the chinks in the right-side armour.
This was showcased perfectly against Andoni Iraola’s south coast side. So dangerous are Bournemouth on the counter, their forwards as electric as they come. But they left with neither points nor consolation strikes last weekend, and Cash was instrumental in that.
Matty Cash vs Bournemouth
Match Stats
#
Minutes played
90′
Goals
0
Assists
0
Touches
53
Accurate passes
19/27 (70%)
Shots (on target)
1 (1)
Tackles won
1/2
Clearances
2
Ground duels won
3/7
Data via Sofascore
Up against it, Cash kept the Cherries’ threatening forwards at bay while contributing offensively, enjoying the first chance of the game and providing a dynamic outlet down the right channel. For this, Birmingham Live’s John Townley awarded him an 8/10 match rating.
This was corroborated by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, in fact, who marvelled at the full-back’s display and hailed him as being “among the best in the league” when it comes to defending, aggression and mentality.
All told, Cash is a perfect example of a player who has embraced a manager’s tactics and worked tooth and nail toward an influential role. Villa are looking to go all the way in the Europa League, but also fight for the ascendancy in the Premier League and continue a journey which has gripped the fanbase since returning to the big time.
He has been one of the defining elements of this story, and he’s now one of the best in the division.
