Aston Villa's Perfect Champions League Start: 9 from 9
Five Reasons to be Cheerful as Villans After Perfect Champions League Start The mood around Villa Park has shifted considerably over the past weeks, with Unai Emery's new-look side finally finding its rhythm and the depth of his rebuilt squad beginning to shine through. After a turbulent start to the campaign, there are growing signs that the pieces are falling into place.
With confidence returning and a significant test against Manchester City's serial rule-benders on the horizon, here are the latest Five Reasons to Be Cheerful as Villans. European Maestro Unai Emery's reputation as a master of European football continues to grow, with Villa making a perfect start to their Champions League campaign.
Victories over Brugge, Fenerbahçe and Viking have delivered nine points from nine, putting Villa firmly in contention for a top-eight finish. Sterner tests will come in the next three games, but Villa have matched the start they made two years ago.
With 16 points proving enough to secure automatic qualification for the last 16 under the new format, another seven could be enough to spare Villa the inconvenience of a play-off round. A round that Villa would have perhaps have accepted at the very start of the season.
The convincing victory over Viking was particularly encouraging, with Villa playing with a confidence and authority that had been missing earlier in the season. More importantly, Emery's beloved 'control' was there for all to see, as his side dictated proceedings rather than simply reacting to them.
Next up is Barcelona at the Nou Camp. A glamorous occasion for supporters to savour, but for Emery and his increasingly confident players, another opportunity to show they belong among Europe's elite.
More Upside to Come Villa's injury list seems to grow with every passing fixture, with the full-back positions in particular appearing to be under some sort of curse. Yet despite Emery being forced into constant reshuffles, his side has maintained its impressive recent form without sacrificing the fluency and cohesion that have become hallmarks of his teams.
Alysson's performance against Viking and Alejandro Garnacho's impressive cameo offered further evidence of just how much the squad has improved. Unlike previous seasons, when injuries often left Emery scratching around for solutions, there now appears to be genuine quality waiting in (and on) the wings.
With Brian Madjo and Leon Goretzka still to properly feature, Ibrahim Mbaye gradually finding his feet and Taylor Harwood-Bellis yet to be fully integrated, there is plenty more to come. If this is what Villa can produce while still finding their feet as a collective, the potential once everyone is fit and firing is an exciting prospect.