Mikel Arteta has expressed his belief that Aston Villa are genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season, even as Unai Emery downplayed his team’s chances following their 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday. The win at Villa Park has significantly reduced Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table, with the Gunners now only two points ahead after Manchester City secured a 3-0 win against Sunderland.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, have climbed to third place in the league, sitting three points behind Arsenal. This comes after an impressive run of nine wins in their last ten Premier League matches, showcasing their consistency and form.
When asked if Villa could challenge for the title, Emery responded with caution. He said: “I am not thinking in it. I know 38 matches is very difficult, we are not a contender. 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.”
He added: “We are really being consistent, and through it we achieve points. How we are now, I am so proud of how we are, taking the challenges we give them. The reality is that we have to face difficulties, and our target in 38 matches, we will see it. Now we feel good and strong in the position we are. The message is game by game in each competition. We play against Basel on Thursday. I want to enjoy the way, each moment. Today we won and we are happy. We are going to rest now for two days. Be with family and friends.”
Despite Emery’s cautious approach, Arteta remains confident that Villa are capable of challenging for the title. He stated: “They are,” when asked if Villa can compete. “When you look at where they are, the way they play, they have beaten some big teams, especially at home. Everybody is going to have to play everybody, so at the moment they are where they are and we are there as well.”
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Arsenal’s Lead Reduced: After their defeat to Aston Villa, Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League has been cut to just two points.
- Villa’s Strong Form: Aston Villa has maintained an impressive record, winning nine out of their last ten Premier League games.
- Emery’s Cautious Outlook: While acknowledging the team’s performance, Emery did not consider Villa as title contenders, emphasizing the difficulty of the 38-match season.
- Arteta’s Confidence: Mikel Arteta believes that Villa’s strong form and results make them serious challengers for the title.
Looking Ahead
Aston Villa’s next match is against Basel on Thursday, and Emery has encouraged the team to focus on enjoying the journey. He emphasized the importance of taking each game one at a time, while also highlighting the positive momentum the team is currently experiencing.
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By focusing on consistency, resilience, and a positive mindset, both teams are setting the stage for an exciting Premier League season. As the competition continues, all eyes will be on how these clubs perform in the coming weeks.