Unai Emery has been shortlisted for the Premier League Manager of the Month award after leading Aston Villa to an unbeaten run in October.
The Spaniard oversaw two wins and two draws from his side’s four league fixtures, including an impressive victory over Manchester City. Villa also picked up valuable points against Brentford, Newcastle United and Fulham.
The nomination is for Emery’s performances in the Premier League, rather than Villa’s overall performance. They went on to lose 3-0 to Barcelona in the Champions League on November 3. This loss does not fall within the October timeframe of the award.
Emery faces competition from Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi, Fabian Hürzeler and Marco Rose. Supporters can vote until midday on Monday, November 9, with the winner due to be announced the following week.
Emery’s managerial journey across Europe
Emery has earned a strong reputation for his success in various countries and tournaments.
Born in the Spanish town of Hondarribia, Emery began a playing career in a midfield role at Real Sociedad. In 1995/96 he made five La Liga appearances but spent most of his career in the Spanish lower leagues.
Emery had a successful managerial career after retiring when he joined Lorca Deportiva. He led them to promotion to the second tier of Spanish football and then won promotion again with Almeria.
He was successful enough to win the Valencia role in 2008. Emery took them to three third places in a row in La Liga but left in 2012.
He has also had spells as manager of Spartak Moscow and Paris Saint-Germain, winning the French league with the latter. But Emery’s best years were at Sevilla where he won three Europa League titles in a row between 2014 and 2016.
He was then signed by Arsenal but won back his reputation at Villarreal and won his second Europa League title in 2021, making it four in total.
Aston Villa appointed Emery in October 2022 to replace Steven Gerrard. Since arriving, he has led the club to the Champions League and won a fifth Europa League title.
Emery could add to his three Premier League awards
This October nomination means Emery is in contention to win the prize for the fourth time.
Previously Emery won the award in April and December during 2023, but his latest success came after an incredible five wins out of six in league games. It means the Spaniard now has three awards to his name.
Only Martin O’Neill has won more than Emery, with four successes as Aston Villa manager.
The Spaniard had another excellent run of form during the month of October. Villa started with a 2-2 draw against Brentford before picking up their first win of the month with a 1-0 win over Newcastle.
They followed this up by becoming the first side to beat Manchester City in the Premier League this season. Nicolas Jackson scored twice in a 2-1 victory at Villa Park.
They finished an unbeaten league run with a 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Although the loss to Barcelona highlights that there is more to do in Europe, Emery’s nomination shows that Villa have made good progress domestically in October. They continue to challenge the best teams in the Premier League.
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