Emery cools title talk as Villa break records in win

UNAI Emery claims Villa are not yet contenders to win the Premier League title, even after beating league leaders Arsenal.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

ger Unai Emery celebrates their late winner Arsenal's Martin Odegaard (centre) and team-mates appear dejected after Aston Villa score their second goal

The Villa boss stated that it is too early in the campaign to label Villa as genuine challengers to the Gunners, who he believes remain the clear favourites - that is even with a record breaking run as for the first time in 106 years, Aston Villa have claimed nine topflight wins in a 10-game spell.

Emi Buendia scored with the final kick of the game to send Villa Park into raptures, securing a ninth home win in a row and a ninth victory in 10 Premier League games.

Matty Cash had opened the scoring in the first half, but Leandro Trossard pulled a goal back for Arsenal early in the second period.

“I am not thinking in it. I know 38 matches is very difficult. We are not a contender,” Emery responded when asked if Villa could challenge for the title.

“If we were in week 35, perhaps we can speak differently,” he continued, before adding: “Arsenal are the best team in the Premier League until now. How we competed today gives me lots of confidence.

“We are really being consistent, and through it we achieve points. How we are now, I am so proud of how the players, taking the challenges we give them.

“The reality is that we have to face difficulties, and our target after 38 matches, we will see it. Now we feel good and strong in the position we are.

“The message is game by game in each competition. We play against Basel on Thursday.

“I want to enjoy each moment. Today we won and we are happy. We are going to rest now for two days - be with family and friends.”

And you can see why Emery said that anyone connected with the Villa would be happy after the way they played against Arsenal.

Villa produced the first big opportunity of the game after Emi Martinez made a comfortable save to deny Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.