Unai Emery Achieves 100th Win as Aston Villa Manager
Unai Emery has reached a significant milestone in his managerial career, securing his 100th win as Aston Villa manager. This achievement came with a 1-0 victory over Lille in the Europa League on Thursday night, March 13, 2026. The win, courtesy of a goal from Ollie Watkins, not only edges Villa closer to the quarter-finals but also highlights Emery's impactful tenure since his appointment in October 2022.
Record-Breaking Performance
In his 181 matches across all competitions, Emery has led Aston Villa to 100 wins, 32 draws, and 49 losses. This results in a win percentage of 55.2%, which stands as the highest among all Villa managers since 1945. For comparison, other notable managers include Tony Barton at 46%, Ron Saunders at 45.6%, Steve Bruce at 45.1%, Vic Crowe at 44.6%, and Ron Atkinson at 43.3%.
Elite Company in Management
Emery joins an exclusive group of managers who have achieved 100 wins in a similar timeframe. He is only the third manager to reach this milestone in the four years and four months he has been at Villa, alongside Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta. Here is a breakdown of their records:
- Pep Guardiola: 207 matches, 137 wins, 35 draws, 35 losses
- Mikel Arteta: 188 matches, 118 wins, 41 draws, 29 losses
- Unai Emery: 181 matches, 100 wins, 32 draws, 49 losses
- Eddie Howe: 179 matches, 89 wins, 36 draws, 54 losses
- Marco Silva: 155 matches, 63 wins, 31 draws, 54 losses
Key Player Contribution
Ollie Watkins has been a pivotal figure under Emery's management, featuring in 173 of the 181 games. The striker has contributed 67 goals and 35 assists, making it fitting that his goal secured Emery's 100th win. This underscores Watkins' importance to the team and Emery's reliance on his attacking prowess.
Looking Ahead
With the Europa League quarter-finals within reach, Aston Villa need only avoid defeat in the return leg at Villa Park next Thursday. Emery's century of wins sets a strong foundation for continued success, as the club aims to build on this momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
