Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery has talked down talk of a title challenge for the club despite their 1-0 win over Arsenal.
It has been a terrific start to the season for Aston Villa which sees them sitting in third place in the Premier League.
Considering that we are nearly halfway through the season, the job that Unai Emery has done is being highlighted now.
This week has seen Villa take three points against Manchester City and then Arsenal at Villa Park in a record-breaking run.
The wins saw Villa secure a place in the top four and even move up to third place behind Arsenal and Liverpool in first. With this, conversations revolving around Aston Villa and the Premier League title have increased in volume.
Although former manager, Dean Smith, wasn’t having any of it just yet, Emery was asked about it post-Arsenal.
What has Unai Emery said?
Following the victory over Manchester City, Emery was asked about a title race and wasn’t forthcoming to answer.
This win saw the Villans leapfrog Pep Guardiola’s side into third place and just points behind Arsenal and Liverpool. After this, Villa went into the Arsenal game knowing that a win would keep them third but bring them closer to the Gunners.
Following John McGinn’s winner on the night, Villa have gone a point behind the North Londoners and two behind the Reds. Even with this proximity to the league leaders, Emery didn’t want to talk about the title chances right now.
Talking to John Townley, he spoke out on when this conversation could be had. On that, he said: “I will speak again when we are in game 30-32 and if we are in the same position as now then maybe I can speak about it. It is only game 16. We are in (the top four) and must try to keep it.”
It is safe to say that a title race conversation is slightly premature given the lack of this sort of experience within the squad. Compared to the other sides around them there isn’t as much quality as a general rule.
No one expected Villa to be in a title race, to even be in the conversation is insane to hear. If a top-four finish can be secured this season, it would be a top-class achievement. Although it is fun to have these chats right now, they might not be legitimate come a few months.
