To see an unbeatable start for Aston Villa, you have to go back to the 1930-31 season. At that time, in the so-called First Division, the Birmingham villains were second classified, only behind an intractable Arsenal, when they also started with precisely four victories.
Now, 90 years later, they have equaled that historical record after starting the Premier League in a devastating way. Sheffield United 1-0, Fulham 0-3, Liverpool 7-2 in a win that went around the world, and 0-1 against Leicester City to add the full of triumphs. In total, twelve points out of twelve possible, registering 12 goals in favor and just two against. Seconds, after the Everton of Ancelotti, James and company.
Do not forget that three months ago, Aston Villa managed to save themselves on the last day of the Premier League. A resurrection that came on time, after being a team plunged into decline and that seemed to have the hours counted in what was his season back to the gold category of English football. Four days, paradoxically, that changed his destiny (two wins and two draws) and were enough to get his ticket to the Premier again the following year.
85 million investment to change dynamics
But, To change the dynamics, the success in the past transfer market has been key. And his investment of almost 85 million euros. First, the quality jump in goal and defense. Emiliano Martinez, who arrived from Arsenal after winning two titles as goalkeeper ‘gunner’ (and still ran out of place in the XI), has raised the level under the sticks of Aston Villa. Three clean sheets in the four rounds they have played make him the best goalkeeper in the competition, Also, to the Konsa-Mings and Targett couple, you have to add the right side Cash, who had been the best in the Championship at the hands of Nottingham Forest.
In the core, Dean smith maintains the double pivot with the Brazilian Douglas Luiz and the Scottish John McGinn, who, if the injuries are respected, will once again be one of Villa Park's loyal squires. As a hitch, another luxury reinforcement: Ross Barkley. The former English international arrives on loan from Chelsea, where his prominence plummeted and he seeks to relaunch his career (he scored the winning goal against Leicester).
In one of the bands the Egyptian remains Trézéguet. In the other, its top star and quintessential villain, Jack Grealish. Rewound and slicked back to the 'Peaky Blinder', low socks wearing shin guards, distilling a quality in abundance. After almost five seasons breaking down the door of the English team, Gary Southgate rewarded him after his impeccable start to the season: four goals and three assists were enough to wear the ‘Three Lions’ elastic band.. And up, Ollie Watkins as the team's gunner. Five targets, including a hat-trick against Liverpool in 35 minutes and another five passes on goal They begin to make the 30 million euros that Aston Villa disbursed this summer for him to bring him from Brentford.
A story that many have already taken care of to find similarities to what happened with the Leicester City fairy tale: from avoiding relegation at the last minute, to winning the Premier League. However, It should be remembered that Aston Villa is an old European champion (1981-82), in addition to also adding seven leagues, seven FA Cups, five League Cups or a European Super Cup. A more than enviable record of a team seeking to once again become the true villains of England.