It seems (I’m always cautious), that the club got this crucial appointment exactly right, and, in acting quickly, turned this back into a season of progress rather than what would have appeared to almost inevitably be a second half all about mounting toxicity and avoiding relegation.
Villa returned to action following the midseason interruption and lost an entertaining, wide-open game against an on-song Liverpool. It was great viewing for everyone but Villans, though it really wasn’t that rough for us, either. There were encouraging signs.
Emery obviously did well taking the reins in the middle of league play, so I’m hopeful that we’ll see a side today that’s ready to play, is playing to its strengths, and knows what it’s trying to do.
Argentina and Netherlands have booked their places in the quarters, as expected, and now we’ll see if France and England can do the same.
At the moment, I’m probably the least reliable opinion on Unai Emery as I’ve not yet seen either match in which he’s been in charge. So, today will be interesting for me. And it’s certainly yet another big game for Villa as the world’s leagues pause for the World Cup. Three points here would be a nice way to finish off the season’s first half.
