Emery Dismisses Title Hype Despite Villa’s Charge
Unai Emery continues to downplay Aston Villa’s title chances, even as Arsenal begin to stumble at the top of the Premier League.
Villa’s 2–1 win over Arsenal moved them within three points of the leaders and extended their impressive run to nine wins in their last 10 league games. They have already beaten both Arsenal and Manchester City at home, fuelling talk that they should be considered contenders this time.
But former Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy believes their lack of squad depth may hold them back, despite their strongest XI being able to “beat anyone.”
Arsenal’s defeat — their first in 18 games — comes during a patchy spell of just two wins in five. Villa produced an xG of 2.27, the highest against Arsenal this season, and their goals are spread across the team rather than relying on a single scorer.
Emery insists it’s too early for title talk:
“I’m not thinking about it. Over 38 games it’s very difficult. If it was game 35, maybe we could speak differently.”
His pride is justified, considering Villa failed to win any of their first six league matches and didn’t score until late September. Since then, they have won 13 of 15 fixtures.
Injuries unsettling Arsenal
Arteta’s side are battling multiple absences. Saliba, Gabriel and Mosquera are all out, forcing Timber to play centre-back. Gyökeres is still regaining fitness, while Trossard — despite scoring — had to be withdrawn late on.
Should Arsenal worry?
Before the match Arteta was asked if the title was Arsenal’s to lose. After the loss, the focus has shifted to whether they are slipping.
Arteta insists pressure is normal:
“We’ve coped for five months. We have to prove it again for another six.”
Arsenal have had strong wins recently, but their early-season control has faded. With a history of letting leads slip, fans may be uneasy — yet Arteta urges calm and believes his team will respond.