Only under three months ago, Aston Villa found themselves without a victory and languishing third bottom of the Premier League.
Now, however, driven by manager Unai Emery, they hold third place with increasing talk surrounding their potential role in the championship chase.
The weekend's dramatic conclusion against table-toppers Arsenal highlighted their capabilities, with the 2-1 victory marking Emery's 63rd Premier League win – the most in the team's history.
From his 162 games in charge, Emery boasts a success rate of 54.94%.
Furthermore, in the current campaign, only Arsenal and Manchester City have accumulated more points (71) than Villa's haul of 67 from 34 outings.
This change is especially remarkable given the team's beginning to the season, which saw them in the bottom three, eliminated of the Carabao Cup, and the last team in the Football League to score a goal.
Questions were raised about Emery's methods after a summer where spending power was restricted by financial rules.
What exactly has Emery changed to spark this comeback? The straightforward answer is nothing.
The workaholic Spaniard has shown the courage to adhere to his principles and navigate his team through initial problems.
It was clear that the club was lacking energy, not just in terms of results. The rapid trajectory under Emery in prior years had raised hopes immensely.
Fatigue from their journey to the Champions League quarter-finals seemed widespread, affecting both the stands and the players.
"I am not thinking about it [the title]," Emery stated after the notable win over Arsenal. "I know 38 matches is incredibly tough. We are not considered a contender."
Emery views the training ground at Bodymoor Heath as a fortress, with a high level of concentration required from everyone.
He has not wavered, even as star striker Ollie Watkins had difficulties for goals early on.
The level of influence he enjoys at Villa Park is substantial – a level he lacked during his stints at Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain.
This structure has enabled his meticulous processes, from drills to video analysis, to remain consistent and ultimately bear fruit.
Having stuck to his principles, the outcomes are now shining through.
Villa have won nine of their last ten Premier League games.
A look at their last five top-flight outings shows telling advancements:
While it took Villa time to get going, Unai Emery has proved to be their greatest asset and led their ascent in genuinely remarkable style.
