Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared what Aston Villa “will” do in January to back manager Unai Emery.
Aston Villa emerge as title contenders after Arsenal triumph
Villa catapulted themselves into legit Premier League title contention following Emiliano Buendia’s dramatic 95th minute winner against Arsenal on Saturday.
Buendia’s last-gasp strike secured a pulsating 2-1 victory over the league leaders at Villa Park, with the substitute’s stoppage-time goal representing far more than just three points.
It also confirms Villa’s extraordinary recent transformation under Emery into genuine challengers.
They now sit third, merely three points behind Arsenal, losing just two of their last 16 games in all competitions whilst recording seven straight wins on the bounce.
Matty Cash opened the scoring with a thunderous back-post finish, capitalising on Eberechi Eze’s defensive lapse to arrow the ball through David Raya’s legs.
Villa thoroughly dominated the opening period, with Ollie Watkins spurning an excellent early opportunity before Cash’s breakthrough rewarded their superiority.
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Arsenal responded seven minutes after the interval through substitute Leandro Trossard, who converted from close range following Emiliano Martínez’s parried save from Bukayo Saka’s cross.
The Belgian’s equaliser marked his 50th Premier League goal, becoming only the fifth Belgian to reach that milestone.
Both goalkeepers produced exceptional saves to maintain the stalemate, with Martinez spectacularly denying Martin Odegaard’s 20-yard drive whilst Raya repeatedly frustrated Villa’s attacking threats.
The contest appeared destined for a draw until Buendia’s late intervention sparked wild celebrations amongst the Villa faithful.
It was a day to remember for the Villans, with Youri Tielemans also putting in a Player of the Match display against Arsenal after dominating midfield.
With Emery’s side now tipped to challenge the likes of Arsenal and City for top spot, January could prove pivotal after an underwhelming summer window blighted by a lack of spending and PSR concerns.
Taking that into account, Emery has truly worked wonders to guide Villa to this position after their slow start to 25/26, where it even took four Premier League matches to finally score their first goal of the season.
Fabrizio Romano shares exciting January transfer update out of Aston Villa
That lowly run of form and uninspired summer feels like a lifetime ago now, but it is still up to NSWE to provide Emery with the needed support to maintain their lofty status.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, the ever-reliable Romano has some very encouraging news in that regard.
He reports that Villa chiefs are set to back Emery in the January transfer market, and work has already begun behind-the-scenes.
“Yes, they will,” Romano said when asked if Villa will support Emery with recruitment next month.
“There’s full trust in Emery and with Olabe and Vidagany at management level, they will work all together on the market.”
Villa ended last summer as the Premier League’s lowest spenders, investing just £28 million into new additions, but that simply has to change if Emery’s side are serious about competing for major trophies.
In terms of their rumoured targets, it is believed that a striker is on the agenda, with Villa reportedly targeting Man United forward Joshua Zirkzee among other names.