Unai Emery: Premier League Coach of the Month

(LONDON, January 16, 2026) – Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has been named the English Premier League’s Manager of the Month for December, marking a period of strong performance for the Birmingham club.

Unai Emery has been recognized for leading Aston Villa to five wins in six Premier League matches during December, solidifying their position in the league’s top three.

• Unai Emery secured the Premier League Manager of the Month award for December 2025.
• Aston Villa won five of their six matches in December, including victories against arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
• This is Emery’s third Premier League Manager of the Month award, having previously won in April and December 2023.
• The award comes amid a period of instability for other top managers, wiht two recent award winners having been fired in early January.

Aston Villa’s December Surge

Under Emery’s leadership, Aston Villa achieved five wins in six Premier League matches during december, according to reports. These victories included wins over Brighton (4-3), Arsenal (2-1), West Ham (3-2), Manchester united (2-1), and Chelsea (2-1). Their only defeat during the month came in a rematch against Arsenal on December 30, with a score of 1-4.

Did you know? – Aston Villa’s December form was a key factor in their rise to third place in the Premier League standings, a position they hadn’t consistently held in several seasons.

Emery’s Third Recognition

This latest award is the third time Emery has been named Premier League Manager of the Month, having previously received the honor in April and December 2023. The recognition highlights his consistent success since joining Aston Villa.Why did Unai Emery win? he secured the award by leading Aston Villa to a dominant December, winning five out of six Premier League matches.Who was involved? Unai Emery, Aston Villa players, and opposing teams like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea. What happened? Aston Villa experienced a surge in form, winning crucial games against top-six rivals. How did it end? The month concluded with a loss to Arsenal, but the overall performance was enough to earn Emery the Manager of the Month award.

Recent Managerial Changes in the League

The declaration of Emery’s award comes after a period of upheaval for other Premier League clubs.Reports indicate that Ruben Amorim, who was recognized as the best manager in October, was fired from Manchester United, and Enzo maresca, the November award winner, was dismissed from Chelsea in early January. This adds a layer of context to Emery’s achievement, demonstrating the high pressure and volatility within the league.

Pro tip – Analyzing a team’s performance against direct rivals is crucial for understanding their true potential and league positioning. Emery’s wins against Arsenal, United, and Chelsea were especially significant.

Why It Matters

Emery’s success with Aston Villa is particularly noteworthy given the club’s recent history. His ability to consistently deliver results against top-tier opponents has propelled Aston Villa to third place in the Premier League table after 21 rounds. This sustained performance suggests a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the league, with Aston Villa emerging as a genuine contender for European qualification and potentially challenging for higher pos