Arsenal had multiple chances to tie the score, but Villa held on for a club record 15th straight home victory thanks to some outstanding goalkeeping from 2023 Yashin Trophy winner Emi Martínez, a contentious decision not to give the Gunners a penalty when Gabriel Jesus went down in the box, and a disallowed last-minute goal for handball.
Pep Guardiola named the Birmingham team as possible title challengers following Villa’s victory against Manchester City on Wednesday, claiming that Emery has been quick to play down.
Such chatter will inevitably pick up steam after a week in which it has destroyed two title contenders; in the aftermath, McGinn joked that he is “banning the T-word.”
He reportedly stated, “There’s a long way to go—it’s game week 16,” as reported by the BBC. “Everyone who has been in this position for a long time is respected around here.” We’ll see whether we can maintain it as we’re still novices.
Despite having a game remaining, one point behind Arsenal, and just two points behind league leader Liverpool, Aston Villa’s incredible week has guaranteed that it will remain in third place in the Premier League, five points ahead of Manchester City.
However, with less than half of the season completed, Emery is equally cautious about allowing hopes to become unmanageable.
He then said to Sky Sports, “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.”
Since it’s only game 16, we are not a contender right now. We need to work hard to maintain our position among the top four. It is challenging.
Villa has a lengthy and illustrious history of accomplishments, which includes winning the 1981–1982 European Cup. However, the team has not won an English premier league championship since 1980–1981 and was only promoted back to the Premier League three years earlier in 2019.
Villa was stranded around the bottom of the league when Emery took over in October of last year. However, the four-time Europa League champion Spanish manager has completely changed the club and its players, creating a well-trained squad that can compete with the best in the league.
The Villa seems to be able to achieve anything as Christmas and the New Year get near.
