Birmingham radio personality Tom Ross has delivered his verdict on Unai Emery's Aston Villa, arguing that despite the manager's public stance, the club must now be considered genuine Premier League title contenders.
A Formidable Position in the Premier League
Aston Villa currently present a menacing figure in English football, occupying third place in the Premier League table with 46 points. They sit just four points behind leaders Arsenal and are level on points with second-placed Manchester City, with a significant fifteen games left to play this season.
This represents a remarkable transformation from their pre-season status, where most bookmakers priced them at around 250-1 to win the title. Through consistent, quiet efficiency, Villa have surprised many observers and dramatically shortened their odds, with bookmakers now offering around 14-1, placing them behind only Arsenal and City in the betting markets.
Sustained Form and Champions League Ambition
The team's impressive consistency is demonstrated by their recent record, suffering just one defeat in their last seven away games and only one loss at home in their previous nine matches. This formidable form has positioned them perfectly to secure, at minimum, a coveted place in next season's UEFA Champions League—a key objective for head coach Unai Emery.
However, Emery himself remains publicly cautious, fully aware of the immense challenge ahead and refusing to entertain discussions about a potential title win. Yet, the compelling evidence of their league position and performances suggests that, whether the manager acknowledges it or not, they have earned the right to be labelled as contenders.
The Challenges for the Favourites
Arsenal, while favourites, face a demanding run-in that includes a crucial fixture against Manchester City and several challenging London derbies, including a trip to bitter North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. This difficult schedule for the teams above them further strengthens Villa's case as a potential threat in the title race.
Emery's Transformative Influence
Unai Emery's meticulous methods are central to Villa's success. He places enormous demands on his players during both training sessions and matches, insisting on maintaining the high standards he sets for every single game. His ability to extract the maximum from his squad has fostered a team that wholeheartedly believes in his philosophy, where collective unity and togetherness are fundamental principles.
Regardless of the final outcome this season, Emery's achievements have already positioned him as a strong candidate for the Premier League Manager of the Year award, a testament to his transformative impact at Villa Park.
Europa League Context and Future Focus
Looking beyond the domestic campaign, Aston Villa host RB Salzburg on Wednesday evening in their final UEFA Europa League group stage fixture. While Villa have already secured qualification for the tournament's round of 16, the result at Villa Park remains significant for determining seeding and potential opponents in the knockout stages.
Emery will be acutely aware of the importance of momentum and positioning as the club competes on multiple fronts, balancing their unexpected Premier League charge with continued progress in European competition.
