Aston Villa

Aston Villa's revival since Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard as manager has been so dramatic that what once looked like a relegation battle has now become ...

“He’s trying to fight with the defenders. He’s the first defence in our idea, trying to be consistent. “The striker is very important to me.

TOM COLLOMOSSE: One of the Premier League managers of the season is the Spaniard who has turned an underachieving club into a serious force again.

He has drilled his players in a style that involves building from the back and now it is starting to bear fruit despite initial teething problems. Such an approach makes the reduced number of days off a little easier to swallow. He is based locally and spends up to 16 hours per day at the training ground. Forget his difficult 18 months at Arsenal or his occasional difficulties speaking English, because this is a top manager in any language. The many fans of Steven Gerrard might not like to hear it but rarely can a club of Villa’s level have improved its head coach so dramatically. They have taken 16 points from their last six games and – astonishingly – are only six points off a Champions League spot.

The 27-year-old is loving life under the Spaniard, scoring 10 goals in 17 games since his appointment.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery believes his side are candidates for a top-six finish in the Premier League after their 2-1 win over Leicester City.

He's trying to fight with the defenders. Because I like to be offensive and to be a winner," Emery said. "The striker is very important to me. "Then, he has a big career to do in his future. "He's the first defence in our idea, trying to be consistent. We are now with them.

Victory over Leicester lifted side to seventh in Premier League table.

"Then, he has a big career to do in his future. Because I like to be offensive and to be a winner," Emery said. "The striker is very important to me.

Mike Taylor, BBC Radio WM. Rolling forwards as straight and true as a bowling ball, the Premier League's top 10 arrayed in front of them like skittles, ...

Maybe Emery has whispered in a few ears, or possibly it is just the effect of his grounding the basics, drilling the players until they get the essentials right. The only drawback has been that the secret is now out: they have arrived among the European contenders. The element of surprise is gone, but that is unlikely to throw them off their stride. No wonder given the run they are on at the moment, but watching Ollie Watkins is suddenly on a streak to match any Premier League striker. It obviously helps to have players in form.