Softfootball reports that Unai Emery has been named the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month for December 2025. His management of Aston Villa, which included five victories out of six league matches, was acknowledged via the club’s official X account.
They shared:
Unai Emery: The Premier League Manager of the Month for December
This marks Emery’s third time receiving this accolade, having previously won it in April and December 2023. Aston Villa’s December kicked off with an exciting 4-3 win against Brighton, followed by a last-minute 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Villa Park, featuring a stoppage-time goal from Emiliano Buendía.
Subsequent wins included narrow triumphs over West Ham (3-2), Manchester United (2-1), and Chelsea (2-1), proving Villa’s ability to perform under pressure. Their sole defeat in December was a 4-1 loss to Arsenal on December 30, which halted an eight-game winning streak.
Emery’s strategic adjustments yielded results throughout December. Following a sluggish start to the campaign, he advocated for more long-range shooting, leading to 10 of Villa’s 25 league goals coming from outside the box— a leading figure in the Premier League.
This tactical shift, along with improved build-up play and a stronger defensive structure, allowed Villa to exceed their expected goals and convert close matches into victories.
Despite some metrics indicating that Villa may have overperformed, Emery’s guidance, timely substitutions, and game management have garnered this recognition. He surpassed Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, and Daniel Farke in the voting for this significant award.
This accolade places Emery among just five Aston Villa managers to achieve such recognition. With Villa currently positioned third in the league, the Spaniard remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of humility and the journey ahead. Under Emery, it’s evident that Villa is not only a contender but also a formidable rival to the league’s top teams.
