Unai Emery Gives Premier League Title Verdict

Unai Emery has given his verdict on whether Aston Villa are Premier League title contenders after watching his side move to within three points of Arsenal with a 2-1 win over the league leaders on Saturday afternoon.

The Villans have been on the rise after a difficult start to the season and have now won nine of their last 10 league games. The victory over the Gunners was their seventh league victory in a row and ended Mikel Arteta’s side’s 18-game unbeaten run, blowing the title race wide open.

Emiliano Buendia came up with a 90+5th-minute winner to send Villa Park wild, and it was a deserved three points. The hosts had taken the lead through Matty Cash before Leandro Trossard equalised for the visitors.

“Lots of Confidence” – Emery’s Villa Title Verdict

The only defeat for Villa in their last 10 league games came against Liverpool just days after an impressive 1-0 win over Manchester City. But today’s win against Arteta’s men was the biggest of the season thus far, beating the title favourites and keeping the winning momentum going heading into the Christmas period.

Emery isn’t getting carried away and made clear in his post-match interview that his Villans aren’t in the title race: “I am not thinking in it. I know 38 matches is very difficult. We are not a contender.”

Villa have some huge games on the horizon, including against Manchester United (December 21), Chelsea (December 27) and the reverse fixture against Arsenal (December 30). The Spaniard was well aware of how significant the victory against the leaders was:

“If we were in day 35, perhaps we can speak differently. Arsenal are the best team in the Premier League until now. How we competed today gives me lots of confidence.”

Emery continues to work wonders at Villa Park after arriving back in November 2022 and delivering Champions League football last season. He has Arteta’s number, beating his compatriot in four of eight meetings while only tasting defeat twice.

Are Villa Title Contenders?

Emery is playing down Villa’s title credentials but wins over Arsenal and City mean they can’t be ruled out especially if they go on to defeat European contenders Chelsea. The winter period is crucial for any side with title aspirations and the Spaniard’s comments just alleviate some of the pressure that could come from being talked up as potential challengers.

It’s been a remarkable turnaround at Villa Park following a gloomy start to the campaign when some had questioned whether Emery was looking for a way out. But sporting director Monchi parted ways and suddenly the mood lifted and the Midlands outfit more than found their feet.

Emery deserves massive praise for his work transforming Villa during his time in charge, and the fact that he has them among the top four after 15 games given a frustrating summer transfer window. He will be hoping to pick up another three points when his troops travel to West Ham United next Sunday (December 14).