Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a significant verdict on Aston Villa's Premier League credentials, suggesting Unai Emery's in-form side are genuine contenders for the championship.
Arteta's Title Verdict on Villa's Form
The Gunners' boss made his comments in a pre-match press conference ahead of a pivotal encounter this weekend. Arteta explicitly stated that if Villa continue their current trajectory, they have a real chance of winning the league. His assessment is based on their remarkable consistency, which has seen them climb into the top three.
"Well, for what they've been doing, the way they've been playing and winning these matches, certainly it's a team that is in great form and we know that," Arteta acknowledged. He also praised the work of his counterpart, adding, "We know obviously the manager and the incredible job that he's done there as well."
Villa's Stunning Run of Results
The statistics underpinning Arteta's analysis are formidable. Aston Villa have won eight of their last nine Premier League matches and have been victorious in 12 of their last 14 games across all competitions. This surge has propelled them to within a single point of second-placed Manchester City.
Since the beginning of March, no team in the division has secured more Premier League victories than Villa. Their home record is equally impressive, having lost to only one side at Villa Park since the start of last season – ironically, that defeat came against Arsenal.
Emery's Motivation and the Stakes This Weekend
When questioned whether former Arsenal manager Unai Emery would have extra motivation for this fixture, Arteta dismissed the notion. "I think when you look at Unai, his career, his motivation level... it's always been remarkable," he said. "I don't know, that's a question for him. But in my opinion, he never needs anything extra. I think he's good enough in himself."
The stakes for the match are enormous. A victory for Villa would see them close the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to just three points, dramatically intensifying the title race. It is this scenario that prompted the direct question about Villa's championship potential.
Arteta's final response was unequivocal. "Well, if they continue, look where they are already, so if they continue what they've been doing, I think any club, any team in that position has chances for sure," he concluded, placing Villa firmly in the conversation for the biggest prize in English football.
