On the eve of his first anniversary as Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery has Villa within striking distance of the top of the Premier League.

Having returned to English football last season, following an ill-fated 18 month spell at Arsenal, Michael Bailey is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Gregg Evans to analyse the Spaniard's resurgence in the West Midlands.

Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell shares his take on Villa's start to the season, their best season 1998/99, while Arsenal correspondent James McNicholas reviews his time in North London before assessing how he feels seeing Emery thrive at Villa Park.

Produced by Guy Clarke

Additional Production: Mike Stavrou

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

**

• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL and get on your way to being your best self.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.