Aston Villa are just three points off Arsenal ahead of their meeting next week but Unai Emery insists his team are not in the title race with the Gunners and Manchester City
Unai Emery says Aston Villa are “not really” in the Premier League title race despite sitting just three points off Arsenal at the top of the table ahead of their mouthwatering clash with the Gunners next week.
Villa fought back from a goal down to beat Chelsea 2-1 on Saturday courtesy of an Ollie Watkins double, with the England striker notching late goals after coming off the bench to help Emery’s side record a staggering 11th consecutive league win.
The result at Stamford Bridge means Villa stay third, a point behind Manchester City with Arsenal two more points ahead. But while plenty are now tipping Villa to compete with the Gunners and City for the domestic crown, Emery has moved to quell talk of a title push.
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“Not really,” was the response from Emery when the Spaniard was asked if he believes Villa can win the title. “I am feeling that we are competing for Europe, not competing in the league with Man City and Arsenal.
“We have played 18 matches and have 20 to play. Teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United — we must compete with them. We must be consistent over 38 matches.”
Villa’s remarkable winning run means that they can start 2026 level on points with Arsenal if they can beat Emery’s former team when they meet in north London on Tuesday night.
Emery, though, is under no illusions about how difficult such a feat will be as Villa seek another major scalp. “That match against Arsenal is very, very difficult,” he added. “In The Emirates they are so strong.
“The next challenge is the biggest challenge we will face because they are the best team now in the Premier League and Champions League. But we have very good players and I try to set our demands high for everything.
“Each match is a challenge and to play away is more [of a challenge]. On Tuesday it is Arsenal, it is very difficult of course, but we are going to play with our personality and mentality. Of course, they are favourites to beat us.”
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
