Pundit and former club owner, Simon Jordan has suggested that Aston Villa will find it tough to achieve the top four, but it is achievable.
It has been a great start to the season for Aston Villa which has seen Champions League become a realistic aim.
Under the tutelage of Unai Emery, the Villans have risen from a relegation battle to a top four or even title challenge this campaign. This unbelievable form has seen praise come from all corners from ex-pros to pundits in the past few months.
It is safe to say that Villa fans had good ambitions coming into the season but to be in the top four, a third of the way through the season is amazing.
With that being said, there is a long way to go and plenty of football to be played. This means Villa need to be consistent and continue with the form they are in right now. If you ask some pundits this will be hard, maybe too hard.
What has Simon Jordan said about Aston Villa?
The former Crystal Palace owner has seen his career become quite favourable in punditry. For TalkSport he has become one of the most logical pundits and this sees him get into plenty of debates.
He was discussing Villa on his show, via Birmingham Live, and was showing his love for the Midlanders. On that, he said: “They are one of the biggest clubs in the country. They started the season getting beat by five by Newcastle and the people. In the four seasons they have been in the Premier League they have spent £200m net, which is not a huge amount of money in the scale of things.”
It is fair to say that in recent years, NSWE has spent their money where needed and in clever ways. Rarely spending money in silly ways and looking to find bargains at the higher end nowadays.
What has he said about Unai Emery?
One of the best moves they ever made was to bring Mister Emery in through the doors at Bodymoor Heath. On that, Jordan said: “You don’t get the jobs he got if you’re not a top manager. He hit the Arsenal space after Wenger and that was always going to be a challenge, like Moyes after Ferguson.”
It is safe to say that he has an excellent first year in B6 where he has seen his stock rise even further. Given his pedigree, it is a surprise that no elite clubs came in for his signature, but thank goodness they didn’t.
What has he said about Villa’s ambitions?
On the season’s ambition, Jordan added: “Will they get into the top four? I think they will be hard-pushed. I think the usual suspects. Chelsea’s engines are starting, Man Utd will find their level. I think it’s a big ask, it’s not beyond them. I like this, I want to see a competitive league.”
It is set to be a difficult task to secure Champions League with the teams that are chasing them. With that being said, Villa have plenty of quality. Also, one of the best managers in the league so they are no pushover.
It is going to be an interesting end to the season for the Villans but fans will be hopeful. The prospect of the top four will spur on the side all season long.
