Mikel Arteta Counters Unai Emery’s Stance on Aston Villa’s Title Credentials After Arsenal Defeat

Mikel Arteta has insisted that Aston Villa must be considered genuine Premier League title contenders this season, despite Unai Emery’s attempts to play down expectations following his side’s 2–1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday.

Arsenal’s defeat at Villa Park cut their lead at the top of the Premier League table to just two points, with Manchester City closing the gap further after a routine 3–0 win over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, continue their remarkable surge up the table. Emery’s side sit third, just three points behind Arsenal, following an outstanding run of nine wins from their last 10 league matches.

Emery Refuses to Discuss Title Ambitions

When asked whether Villa should now be viewed as title contenders after their latest statement victory, Emery remained adamant that the race is far from his mind.

“I am not thinking about it. I know 38 matches is very difficult — we are not a contender,”
he said.

“If we were on matchday 35, perhaps we could speak differently. Arsenal are the best team in the Premier League until now. How we competed today gives me lots of confidence.”

The Spaniard highlighted his side’s consistency as their greatest strength, but maintained that long-term predictions are premature:

“We are really being consistent and, through that, we achieve points. I am so proud of where we are and the challenges we are taking on.

“The reality is we have to face difficulties, and by the end of the 38 matches we will see where we finish. For now, we feel good and strong in the position we are in.”

Emery also stressed that his team will continue with a match-by-match mentality:

“The message is game by game in each competition. We play Basel on Thursday. I want to enjoy the journey, every moment. We won today and we are happy. Now we are going to rest for two days — be with family and friends.”

Arteta: “They Are Contenders”

Arteta, however, believes Villa’s form and performances firmly place them in the title conversation.

When asked directly whether he considers Emery’s team to be challengers, the Arsenal manager responded without hesitation:

“They are. When you look at where they are, the way they play, they have beaten some big teams, especially at home.”

Arteta added that the Premier League’s competitive nature means every contender will be tested:

“Everybody is going to have to play everybody, so at the moment they are where they are — and we are there as well.”