EMERY'S REAPING REWARD OF BASEBALL

But Villa chief feels no pressure after being tipped as a true title contender

- BY JOHN TOWNLEY

UNAI EMERY insists Aston Villa feel only the weight of their own high standards, not the expectations of outsiders who claim they are 'in a title race'.

His Villans recorded their eighth consecutive victory on Thursday night by defeating FC Basel in the Europa League. That win followed two impressive Premier League results: a 4-3 triumph at Brighton then a 2-1 victory over league leaders Arsenal last weekend.

Villa are on their longest topflight success streak in 111 years, having secured 14 wins in their past 16 matches across all competitions.