Aston Villa

Image source, Getty Images

After Wednesday's win over Viking my BBC Radio WM colleague and Phone-In host Daz Hale offered Villa fans a theoretical deal.

Appropriately enough, it may sound like the script for a 1980s washing powder commercial. Would you like to go back to your reliable old formula – bring back Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans – or stick with the new?

Daz had no takers. The refreshed squad, Unai Villa 2.0, is winning hearts and minds.

There is trust in the brand that any business in the land would envy. Just a few weeks ago, the odd one or two callers to the programme – and in the opinion of those who responded angrily to them afterwards, it was a very odd one or two – dared to utter the phrase that has damned a thousand football managers, that Unai Emery had "taken us as far as he can". But the overwhelming majority made it clear that they had faith and were prepared to wait for things to happen. Villa have now scored 18 goals in six games. It's happening.

Granted, it has not been the strongest set of six opponents. Brentford, the only side not beaten in that run, were by far the best of that group. Weirdly, Villa have more points in this season's Champions League than in the Premier League, beating only a flailing Tottenham and ailing Newcastle in the priority competition. The next few weeks look appreciably harder. Noble opponents though Viking were, Villa might expect more threat from one Norwegian this weekend than materialised from a whole team of them last night. Lamine Yamal's goal this week might give sleepless nights to whoever ends up facing him when Villa, rather short of fit left-backs lately, go to Barcelona the week after next.

However, there is more to Villa's recent revival than just counting points, or even counting goals. Johan Manzambi is striding around midfield like the new town sheriff. Nicolas Jackson is despatching chances more often with more style. Last night was Alysson's breakthrough moment, running Viking ragged and causing gasps on the Holte. And John McGinn is, by common consent, still Super.

Customer reviews of new-formula Villa are now rolling in: still steely when necessary, but with more pace, more verve, more thrills. Faster, brighter, washes whiter. Given how Villa have railed against having to squirm to stay within financial restrictions in recent years, the arrival on Saturday of a club judged to have taken a rather less rigorous approach to them should fire the fans up. Manchester City are of course in the process of appeal.

Regardless, like their fans, we can now see Villa will be ready too.

We asked for your views on Wednesday's victory against Viking in the Champions League.

Here are some of your comments:

Nick: A really confident performance from the whole team. Alysson stood out. He looks a lot like Morgan Rogers, he's now playing like him too. Garnacho cameo at the end was promising - hopefully Emery will be able to get more consistent performances from him with end product.

Darrell: Onwards and upwards! Brilliant first half but why settle and sit back in the second? Garnacho looked good, maybe he needs a few starts.

Luyimbaazi: Just loving this road to recovery. A very disciplined performance against a team which drew with Bayern Munich. Just a little disappointed we didn't keep a clean sheet. Otherwise it's a very good result, especially confidence-wise to go into the Man City game with.

Matt: Comfortable win. First half looked like a training match, wasn't thrilling but job done. Alysson and Mbaye looked electric; throw Manzambi in the mix and I don't know a defence that would look forward to playing them!

Phil: As a Villa fan for over 65 years this team are playing together with so much confidence, and enthusiasm, it's a pleasure to watch them each week. This is down to a world class manager, a captain in John McGinn and the willingness of each player to have a desire to play for such a great club!

Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the clubs keeping tabs on Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi after the 21-year-old's impressive start to his Aston Villa career. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to TNT Sports: "We played a very serious match, disciplined, organised, and then tried to impose ourselves and dominate with our capacity, both collectively and individually.

"We were dominating, feeling comfortable through our discipline tactically, and then exploiting through our individual qualities."

"We didn't start it as we did the first half. We conceded some corners; they were dominating sometimes. But in the 90 minutes overall, we were better.

"We dominated more often than not. We are so happy with how we got those three points."

Aston Villa goalscorer Emiliano Buendia, speaking to TNT Sports: "Very good.

"These type of teams come in here with energy and they want to show their character. We respect them a lot.

"I should score more. I had chances. I'm pleased. Important win."

On Alysson: "He was incredible. He's showing his potential and his ability on the wing. Mbaye as well. It's important to have them. They are young talents.

"I love this club."

Did you know?

• Aston Villa have scored in 3 of their 3 games, no team has done so more often in the Champions League.

• Emiliano Buendía attempted 7 shots in this game, the highest total for a Aston Villa player in the 2026/2027 Champions League.

Listen to more match reaction from Boubacar Kamara on BBC Sounds

Aston Villa starting XI:

Zion Suzuki: Not a huge amount to do, but what he did was done with confidence. Will have been disappointed to miss out on a clean sheet late on. 6

Victor Lindelof: Couple of decent clearances but hardly under any stress all night. 6

Tyrone Mings: Comfortable night as Villa dominated apart from brief Viking threats. 6

Pau Torres: Calm and composed at the back. Rarely troubled. 6

Ross Barkley: Clever near post header for Villa's opener and enjoyed the space he was given in midfield to show his creative side. 7

John McGinn: Typical "Super John McGinn" performance. At the heart of everything. Tackling. Passing. Just what Villa fans have come to love. 7

Alysson: Lively and dangerous out wide. Won the penalty for Emiliano Buendia to score and set up other dangerous opportunities. Real pace and deserved a goal for his efforts. 8

Ibrahim Mbaye: Sent in the perfect delivery from a corner for Barkley's opener and was always energetic. 6

Joao Gomes: Took a knock early but recovered. Solid in the midfield base, ambitious with his passing and saw a cross deflected on to the bar. 7

Emilianio Buendia: Creator. Should have scored with a first half header but coolly slotted home his penalty. 7

Nicolas Jackson: Often a threat but not on target this time. Should have scored with two early headers. 6

Aston Villa substitutes:

Tammy Abraham (on 70, Jackson): No time to make a serious impact. 5

Leon Goretzka (on 70, Barkley): Brought on to secure the win with his experience. 6

Matty Cash (on 71, Joao Gomes): Barely anything to do. 5

Alejandro Garnacho (on 72, Mbiaye): Lively cameo. Could have had a goal. Might boost fragile confidence. 6

George Hemmings (on 75, Alysson):

Subs not used: Bizot, Wright, Harwood-Bellis, Kamara, Maatsen, Bogarde.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Get in touch with your views here

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back to this page on Thursday to find a selection of your replies.

There are nine games in the Champions League on Tuesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Como v Manchester United (17:45)

• Lille v Galatasaray (17:45)

• Aston Villa v Viking

• Bayern Munich v Arsenal - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Club Brugge v Lens

• Inter Milan v Shakhtar Donetsk

• Real Betis v Feyenoord

• Real Madrid v RB Leipzig

• Sporting v LASK

Kick-off times 20:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Champions League commentary on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play "Bayern Munich v Arsenal" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Arsenal match".

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One from 22:40 to 00:00.

How to follow the Champions League on the BBC

New this season: Live match updates

Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.

Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.

Find out more here

Image source, BBC Sport

New this season: Match of the Day Predictor

Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.

Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.

Read more about it here

You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

After an understandably slow start following a major summer overhaul, Aston Villa are beginning to find form.

Sunday's 1-0 victory at Newcastle United was their fourth win in five games, a run that includes back-to-back Champions League successes.

Their 6-0 demolition of Fenerbahce last week was the club's biggest victory in European competition and meant only holders Paris St-Germain had scored more goals in the opening two rounds.

Opponents Viking head to Birmingham buoyed by earning their first Champions League point in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Bayern Munich.

Bodo/Glimt have shown in recent years that Norwegian sides cannot be underestimated, and Viking, who pipped them to the Eliteserien title last year, are flourishing under joint head coaches Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen.

Aarsheim described their first-half display against Bayern as "perfect" but was most impressed by the "mentality and hunger" his side showed to score a late equaliser after the disappointment of conceding three goals in 17 minutes after the break.

Did you know?

• Norwegian sides have failed to win all 28 of their games away to English sides in European competitions, losing 26 of those matches.

• Viking have scored in each of their past 10 European matches and have lost just two of their past eight.

Image source, Getty Images

Key Viking player - Zlatko Tripic

The winger admits he deliberately tried to unsettle Michael Olise before the Bayern player was sent off. "He eventually lost his composure and threw the ball in my face, so I feel I won that duel," he said.

Tripic, who has a reputation in Norway for trying to provoke opponents, moved to Norway as a baby after his parents fled war in the former Yugoslavia.

Despite spells in Germany, Moldova and Turkey, he has spent much of his career at Viking and leads this season's Eliteserien, which runs from March to December, with 19 assists.

Viking squad summary

Viking's squad includes centre-back Henrik Falchener, who appeared for Norway at the World Cup.

New Zealand midfielder Joe Bell and Australian defender Gianni Stensness form part of the team's spine, while striker Erik Botheim was briefly part of a teenage rap group which included Erling Haaland. One video by Flow Kingz has attracted 29 million views on YouTube.

Argentina midfielder Emiliano Buendia is set to sign a new deal at Aston Villa, while contract talks with 32-year-old Victor Lindelof and 19-year-old George Hemmings are also progressing. (Athletic), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara says he "needed time" after the knee injury which ended his 2025-26 campaign in January, but now he feels "better".

Kamara was sidelined for 206 days after coming off in the ninth minute of the 2-1 FA Cup third-round victory against Tottenham, before returning to action for Unai Emery's side during pre-season.

It was not the first time the 26-year-old has endured an extended period out with a knee problem. Eight months before suffering his most recent injury, he had missed eight months in 2024 following a tear of his ACL.

"I have dealt with this long injury [before]," Kamara told a pre-match news conference for Wednesday's Champions League match against Norwegian side Viking at Villa Park.

"I feel good. I needed time to recover my fitness and the rhythm of training and games, but now I feel better. My recovery after the games is better, so I am happy."

Kamara's importance to Emery's system is underlined by Villa's win percentage last season dropping from 70.59% with him in the starting XI to 33.33% without.

It has been a summer of change at Villa Park but there is no doubt Kamara's return has bought a level of stability and continuity, and he has started all seven games so far - playing the full 90 minutes in all but one.

"It is true there was a lot of change as a lot of players left, but we are happy with the new players because they are fantastic," added Kamara.

"They have been working a lot to understand how the manager wants us to play, so we are happy."

The enforced squad rebuild means Kamara now has a new midfield partner in Joao Gomes, who was signed from Wolves after Youri Tielemans' departure to Manchester United.

"My role hasn't really changed because every midfielder we have knows how the manager wants us to play," explained Kamara.

"With Youri Tielemans and Joao Gomes, it is really the same case, but we need time to get to know each other better."

Millie Sian
BBC Sport journalist

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Champions League game against Viking at Villa Park (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Johan Manzambi will not be available for selection after picking up a "small injury", but Ian Maatsen and George Hemmings have been in first-team training this week.

• Defensive duo Matteo Ruggeri and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are facing extended periods on the sidelines after picking up hamstring injuries, with the former being ruled out for "two months" and the latter expected to be out for "three or four weeks".

• On the current injury situation, Emery said: "We have enough players. These injuries are not excuses. We will find the solutions we need to get performances, collectively and individually, in each position."

• He is anticipating a "fantastic game" against Norwegian top-flight side Viking, who "had the capacity to draw with Bayern Munich and compete against Stuttgart" in their opening two Champions League fixtures. However, Aston Villa already having six points on the board is "something amazing" and their "challenge" is to keep up their winning European form.

• Emery said he is expecting an "intense game" against a side that likes to "defend in a high press and get aggressive in duels", adding: "They are very compact in defence and they can hold a low block, so it won't be easy to dominate against them. They also want to play in their opponents' box and they are very strong on set-pieces, so we must be so focused in our task for 90 minutes."

• Aston Villa will look to impose their own gameplan in terms of "positioning, duels and chance creation", while also using the "good energy at Villa Park" to their advantage.

• On Boubacar Kamara's performances since returning from a serious knee injury: "He was so unlucky. He had two very hard injuries which kept him out for a long time. He is still getting his fitness back but I'm expecting to see the best of his qualities, maturity and intelligence again. He is a good professional."

• Lastly, Emery would not be drawn on the reports linking Emi Buendia to a new contract. He reiterated that he is "so happy" with the attacking midfielder, but highlighted his "surprise" at the question.

Hit play above to hear more from Emery or listen on BBC Sounds here

Argentina midfielder Emiliano Buendia, 29, is close to agreeing a new contract with Aston Villa after positive progress in talks. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Nicolas Jackson has scored five times for Aston Villa since his move from Chelsea and said he was lucky to avoid a serious injury when he was caught in the first half by Newcastle's Sven Botman, who was only shown a yellow card despite an over-the-ball challenge.

"I know the referee said yellow card but it was so high and hopefully maybe next time a red card, but it was a yellow," said striker Jackson. "I nearly broke my leg, but anyway, it's part of football. The most important thing is we win and we won, so I'm OK."

Villa entertain Norwegian side Viking in their third Champions League match of the season on Wednesday before hosting a Manchester City side that have won all seven of their Premier League matches this season.

"It was very important after our poor start [to the season] that we needed to try to come back feeling confident, feeling comfortable in how we are building our structure," added head coach Unai Emery.

"The players themselves tried to be demanding to change the situation where we are.

"Through the league we are going to achieve our priority this year, so the league is the competition where we must try to be very consistent."

With seven points from their past three Premier League matches, Villa are a side on the rise again.

Read more on Aston Villa's 1-0 win over Newcastle here

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle United fans

Lee: The biggest concern for me is the midfield. We're getting overrun far too easily, and it's leaving the defence constantly exposed. The two-man midfield just isn't giving us enough control or physical presence. Surely it's time to go back to a three and make it harder to play through. Why can the manager not see what we are seeing?

Andy: The next game will tell us everything we need to know about the manager. Does he have the acumen to adopt a system that's not so open? We have regressed from being poor to shocking. Matthias Jaissle is a poor signing, which is not his fault.

Kevin: Not convinced by the manager's tactics. We've gone backwards. The owners also need to take a long hard look at themselves. Replacing key players with kids is not the answer. This is not the vision that PIF sold us.

Samuel: There are no excuses for losing when you have 16 shots in a game and decent possession. The fact that we only managed one shot on target is pretty poor. This performance felt akin to many we saw last season, in which the fundamental ingredients to win were there, but it just didn't happen for us. We had a surprisingly strong start to the season, without the pressure of European football to worry about. I'm not worried yet.

Aston Villa fans

Richard: Villa totally controlled the game against an overly aggressive Newcastle. Only Unai Emery could take a relegation threatened team and transform them into a top six team. To do it once is remarkable, but to then lose several key players and do it again is outstanding. Emery improves virtually every player in the squad. It's the best time to be a Villa supporter in the 55 years I have followed them and long may it last.

Matthew: A very solid performance. Tough physical test against a Newcastle team that has chosen brawn over brains due to losing its best players. How good would this Villa side be with Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa in it? Emery once again playing the perfect game.

Robert: We look better every game and there's every reason to believe we'll carry on improving. I hope Taylor Harwood-Bellis gets up to speed soon as our backline will need to be stronger against the top teams.

Blaine: Massive defensive stance from the boys. This team might not be perfect but that was the best defensive display from Villa in a long while. Zion Suzuki playing almost lights-out football. This team is really starting to come together. Man City will be the truest test to see if we're ready to say "we're just as good as you".

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Johan Manzambi saw first hand how good Aston Villa were last season and is now playing a crucial part in Unai Emery's rebuild in this campaign.

Switzerland midfielder Manzambi, who turned 21 on Wednesday, scored his third goal in Villa colours with the winner in a 1-0 victory over Newcastle - the club he turned down before moving to Villa Park in the summer.

Manzambi played a crucial role in helping Freiburg reach the Europa League final, before the Germans were comprehensively beaten by a Villa side that scored three times in the opening hour on their way to a 3-0 success.

Among players in the Bundesliga in his position last season, Manzambi ranked first for progressive carries of 10 metres or more (116), shot-ending carries (13) and fouls won (78).

He then impressed in the World Cup, scoring twice in the 4-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, getting a goal and an assist in the 2-1 victory over co-hosts Canada and also registering an assist in the 2-0 success over Algeria.

Unfortunately for Manzambi and Switzerland, a knee injury ruled him out of the last-16 penalty shootout win over Colombia and their quarter-final loss to Argentina.

So impressive were his performances last season, that Manzambi finds himself on a 10-man list for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world's best player aged under 21.

Also on the shortlist are Spain World Cup winners Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, along with Yan Diomande - whose performances earned him a move to Real Madrid, with the winner named on 26 October.

Since his first start for Aston Villa on 19 September against Spurs, only Manchester City's Erling Haaland - with six - has been involved in more goals among Premier League players in all competitions than Manzambi's five (three goals, two assists).

Read more on Manzambi and Aston Villa's 1-0 performance here

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to BBC Match of The Day: "Very tough and, for us, it was very important after our poor start [to the season] we need to try to come back feeling confident, feeling comfortable with how we are building our structure.

"The players themselves tried to be demanding to change the situation where we are. How we achieved three points at Tottenham after the draw we had last week with Brentford. Today was very, very important. We focused on this match in meetings before as well.

"Of course, we're happy with the match we played in the Champions League, but the league is the priority because through the league we are going to achieve our priority this years, so the league is the competition where we must try to be very consistent.

"Clean sheet on Wednesday, clean sheet today. I think this is one thing we are speaking and wanting to improve."

On Johan Manzambi: "Skills and intelligence, both he has, and his physicality is very important as well to help us defensively and to help us try to keep the duels offensively.

"So happy. Of course, another goal he has scored. Fantastic for him as well. Then he was a bit tired and maybe something muscular, hopefully not much. He has been a very good impact with his qualities and his wish to join us in the same challenges and performances in the last three or four years, playing as well consistency in the Premier League in the top positions as well in Europe."

Aston Villa striker Nicolas Jackson, speaking to BBC Match of The Day on the win: "It was good. We know this is a difficult place to come and play but thank God we got the win. We got the three points - that's the most important [thing] for us."

On Johan Manzambi: "He's an amazing player. He's still growing. Hopefully he can be better and better every game, score goals and assist me as well. Hopefully we will work together and achieve many things together."

On how far Manzambi can go in the game: "He will go a long way and hopefully he gets no injuries. For sure, if he is OK, and he is training hard, he will go a long way and many more goals and assists - for me - to come."

On whether Villa are where they want to be: "We are not where we want to be because we lost some points, but the most important [thing] is in the past, forget this game as well, focus on the next. Go game by game and we will see where we go."

Did you know?

• Aston Villa have won successive Premier League away games for the first time since December 2025 (run of four); they'd previously won just two of their 12 away games prior to the Spurs victory (D5 L5).

• Since his first start for Aston Villa (19th September v Tottenham Hotspur), only Erling Haaland (6) has been involved in more goals among Premier League players in all competitions than Johan Manzambi (5 – 3 goals, 2 assists).

Listen to more from Emery on BBC Sounds and you can also listen to Tyrone Mings' reaction below or on BBC Sounds

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The victory helped Aston Villa boss Unai Emery reach a landmark as it was his 100th in the Premier League.

The Spaniard would have been delighted with his side's performance, especially as they had two days fewer than their opponents to prepare for this match, having played in the Champions League on Wednesday.

For the first time this season club captain John McGinn did not start a league match, although the Scotland midfielder did come on at the beginning of the second half.

Villa already had the lead by then, after being the better team in the first 45 minutes.

As well as the Johan Manzambi goal and the Emiliano Buendia effort off the woodwork, Nicolas Jackson also had an effort saved by Lukas Hornicek, with Matty Cash later hitting the side-netting.

Manzambi, who turned 21 on Wednesday, has now scored three goals for Villa since joining Emery's side in a club record deal of just over £50m from German side Freiburg.

Villa had opportunities to score a second goal, but substitute Ross Barkley drew a fine save from Hornicek and Ibrahim Mbaye shot wide after a fine run.

But they produced a strong defensive performance to restrict the hosts to one shot on target, to leave the north east with the three points.