No jacket required for Emery as Villa dream of title glory

UNAI Emery insists Aston Villa will not win the Premier League, but the Spaniard’s ecstatic celebration of Morgan Rogers’ decisive strike against Manchester United revealed his true feelings about their surprise title charge.

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ASTON Villa's English midfielder Morgan Rogers celebrates scoring against Manchester United in the English Premier League football match on Sunday. | AFP

(AFP)

Usually a composed figure on the touchline, Emery put his emotions on display for all to see after Rogers produced his second fine finish of the afternoon to clinch a pulsating 2-1 win at Villa Park on Sunday.

The England midfielder's 57th-minute goal prompted Emery to roar in delight before ripping off his jacket and hurling it into the air.

It was a fascinating insight into Emery’s mindset in the midst of Villa's remarkable 10-match winning run in all competitions.

Villa sit third in the Premier League, just three points adrift of leaders Arsenal and one behind second-placed Manchester City as they chase a first English title since 1981.

As he has in the past when Villa have flirted with title contention, Emery preferred to play the underdog, claiming his team cannot overhaul clubs of Arsenal and City’s experience and quality despite beating them both at home already this season.