Unai Emery delivered a firm reality check to his Aston Villa squad, insisting they are not in the Premier League title race despite a stunning last-gasp victory over Arsenal. The Spaniard's side secured a dramatic 2-1 win at Villa Park on Saturday, with Emiliano Buendia's 95th-minute strike sealing a memorable three points.
Villa's Dramatic Victory Over Title Favourites
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions for the home fans. Villa took the lead through a powerful Matty Cash effort, only for Arsenal's Leandro Trossard to equalise. The game seemed destined for a draw until the final seconds, when Buendia produced a moment of magic to send the Villa Park crowd into raptures. The victory marks Villa's ninth win in their last ten Premier League matches, cementing their status as the division's form team.
This remarkable run has propelled Villa into the upper echelons of the table, a stark contrast to their early-season struggles in front of goal. The 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in early November now feels like a distant memory as Emery's men continue their impressive ascent.
Emery's Cautious Post-Match Stance
Despite the euphoria and growing external chatter, manager Unai Emery was quick to temper expectations in his post-match press conference. When questioned about Villa's potential involvement in the title race, the former Arsenal boss was unequivocal. He emphasised that Arsenal remain the favourites and that his team must maintain their focus on a game-by-game basis.
"My message is game by game and it is clear in each competition," Emery stated. "Now we are going to play on Thursday in Basel and this is our focus. Then we are going to compete at West Ham and enjoy the way." He highlighted the importance of rest and recovery for his players amidst a congested fixture schedule, granting them two days off before preparations begin for their Europa Conference League clash.
Managing Expectations Amidst Fixture Congestion
Emery's man-management skills are being tested as he balances confidence with caution. He acknowledged the difficulty of containing his emotions on the touchline during such a dramatic win but stressed the importance of his squad shutting out the external noise. Fatigue and focus, as demonstrated by Arsenal's late lapse at Villa Park, are critical factors he is keen to control.
The manager outlined his immediate plan: "Today we worked, we are happy, try to be with family, with friends, rest. We are going to rest now for two days... and then on Tuesday, one eye we always have on the next match." This pragmatic approach underscores his determination to keep the squad grounded, with attention now shifting to FC Basel in Europe followed by a Premier League trip to West Ham United.
While the victory over Mikel Arteta's side has undoubtedly intensified discussions about Villa's credentials, Emery's emphatic response serves as a clear directive to his players. For now, the title talk is for others; Villa's mission remains firmly fixed on the next challenge.
