Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has firmly dismissed suggestions that his side are already genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season. Speaking ahead of Villa’s highly anticipated trip to the Emirates Stadium, Emery instead pointed to Arsenal as the clear favorites to lift the trophy.
Villa are set to face the league leaders away from home in the early hours of Wednesday (31 December 2025 WIB). The clash comes with only three points separating the two teams in the Premier League table, a gap that has inevitably fueled talk of a potential title race.
However, Emery was quick to pour cold water on such narratives, emphasizing realism over hype despite his team’s remarkable recent form.
Context Behind the Title Conversation
On paper, Aston Villa’s position near the summit of the table suggests they are firmly in the mix. Yet a closer look reveals the scale of the task ahead. While Villa trail Arsenal by just three points, they are significantly behind in goal difference—by as many as 12 goals—which remains a crucial factor in any title discussion.
Still, a positive result in North London would allow Villa to end 2025 level on points with Arsenal, a scenario that highlights just how far the club has progressed under Emery’s leadership.
Emery Praises Arsenal’s Superiority
During Monday’s press conference, Emery struck a respectful tone when discussing the upcoming opponent, describing Arsenal as the benchmark team in the league.
“How we are performing right now is something that makes us proud,” Emery said. “It reflects what we are building tactically, mentally, and individually.”
He went on to underline the sense of unity within his squad, explaining that togetherness has been a cornerstone of Villa’s rise this season.
“We try to feel together like a family because we spend more time here at the training ground than we do with our own families,” he added.
Despite that progress, Emery made it clear that Arsenal remain a step ahead in his view.
The Toughest Challenge Yet
The Villa boss did not shy away from labeling the Emirates fixture as his side’s biggest test of the campaign so far.
“Tomorrow is probably the hardest challenge we can face because they are the best team,” Emery admitted. “They play with quality, they compete extremely well, and they are very strong in every aspect.”
He also highlighted the steady development of Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, praising the way the North London club have evolved season by season.
“The way they have built their team progressively every year has made them stronger and stronger. This is a huge challenge for us, but we are very motivated,” Emery explained.
Emirates Factor Adds to the Difficulty
Emery also acknowledged the added difficulty of playing away from home, particularly at a venue like the Emirates Stadium.
“Playing away is always a little more difficult than playing at home,” he said. “Three weeks ago we beat them, and usually they want to show their power when they face us again.”
That recent victory will undoubtedly be fresh in Arsenal’s memory, adding extra edge to a fixture that already carries significant weight in the title narrative.
Emery Reiterates Villa’s True Ambition
When pressed again on whether Aston Villa should be considered genuine title contenders, Emery offered a firm and consistent response.
“Two years ago, we finished the first half of the season with 39 points,” he noted. “Now we also have 39 points, and you are asking me the same question as you did back then.”
He recalled that Villa went on to finish fourth that season, securing a Champions League place—an achievement he described as extraordinary.
“But talking about the title for us did not make sense then,” Emery continued. “And now, in December, it also does not make sense.”
The 54-year-old stressed that motivation remains high, but the focus is firmly on maintaining momentum rather than chasing headlines.
“Our motivation is clear, but right now our focus is only on preparing for tomorrow’s match,” he added.
Key Absences Complicate Villa’s Task
Villa’s challenge in North London is made even tougher by the absence of two important players. Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara will both miss the match through suspension.
Their unavailability further underlines Villa’s status as underdogs for the encounter, despite their impressive run of form that includes 11 consecutive wins in all competitions and eight straight Premier League victories.
That streak was extended last weekend with a statement win over Chelsea, reinforcing belief within the squad even as Emery tempers expectations publicly.
Looking Beyond Arsenal
While a draw at the Emirates would already be considered a solid outcome, Villa’s schedule after this fixture offers opportunities to build momentum. They are set to host Nottingham Forest and Everton, with an away trip to Crystal Palace in between.
Palace, in particular, are viewed as a side beginning to show signs of fatigue after a demanding run of fixtures.
Should Villa manage to collect nine points from their next four matches, they would remain firmly entrenched in the Premier League’s upper tier—regardless of the outcome against Arsenal.
For now, Emery’s message is clear: Aston Villa are enjoying the journey, building something sustainable, and refusing to be distracted by premature title talk as they prepare for their toughest test yet.
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