Ollie Watkins has sounded the alarm: Aston Villa's current squad may be running out of time to make their mark on the European stage. The striker's comments after Wednesday's Europa League match carry weight—this could be the last chance for a group that has grown together over years.

Consider the continuity: six of the starters from Unai Emery's first game in charge back in November 2022 were also on the pitch at the City Ground. A seventh, John McGinn, came off the bench in that same match three and a half years ago. That kind of stability has been a double-edged sword for Villa—it's brought cohesion, but also a sense that the window for glory is narrowing.

Two years ago, this core reached the Conference League semi-finals and secured Champions League qualification. Now, chasing a first major trophy in 30 years, they face a crucial test: overcoming a first-leg deficit to avoid the dreaded "nearly men" tag.

The second half of the season has been rocky, but Villa should still finish in the Premier League's top five to return to the Champions League. That alone won't satisfy the hunger for silverware, though. The real story is whether Emery—who has won this competition four times and suffered just his second defeat in 28 Europa League games—can work his magic again.

Next week at Villa Park, the stage is set for a turnaround. For a squad built on loyalty and patience, the time to deliver is now.