With Champions League games starting this month, Aston Villa will be happy to have a fair few points on the board already, winning two of their first three and sitting seventh in the table. Unai Emery's team have been impressive in all three.
After the international break, the Villans will play at least five games in September, meaning early points in the Premier League was crucial to boost confidence throughout the whole squad.
In all three of Villa's league games, they faced different styles of opponents, but how did they perform?
Matchweek One: West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa
It was a dream start to the season for Aston Villa. Emery stayed loyal to the players who helped achieve a top-four finish last campaign, with only one summer signing, Amadou Onana, making the starting XI. The Belgian international repaid that faith just four minutes in, heading home from a well-worked set piece.
Villa conceded a controversial penalty before half-time, with Matty Cash fouling Thomas Soucek. Lucas Paquetà calmly converted from the spot.
After a summer of transfer speculation linking young striker Jhon Duran with a move to the Hammers, he proved to be the difference, finishing off a fine Villa move. With the Villans competing on all fronts this season, the 20-year-old will be crucial off the bench and will also provide stiff competition for Ollie Watkins in the race to become Villa’s leading No. 9.
Matchweek two: Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
Villa entertained Arsenal in their first home game of the season, the Gunners got their revenge after Villa's double over them last campaign. Second half goals from substitute Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey were enough to see off Emery's team.
The Villans were unlucky not to score with Ollie Watkins having two glorious chances throughout the game - forcing an early save of the season contender from David Raya. The 28-year-old is still goalless this season and will hope he can find the target after the International break.
Matchweek three: Leicester 1-2 Aston Villa
Aston Villa secured another hard-fought victory on the road, with Amadou Onana setting the tone early through a well-executed set piece. Colombian international Jhon Duran came off the bench to net his second goal of the season, sealing the three points for the Villans.
There was a debut for Lamare Bogarde at right-back and another impressive performance from Youri Tielemans. The 27-year-old has started this season in a deeper role due to the injury of Boubacar Kamara. Tielemans has been vital for Villa's build up next to Onana.
Villa will now look to build on their impressive league form with back-to-back home games against Everton and Wolves after the international break.
