Aston Villa’s Unai Emery plays down talk of title challenge but admits future is “unpredictable” | OneFootball

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has played down talk of a title challenge, insisting his side must stay grounded despite their impressive rise up the Premier League table.

Villa’s comeback win at Brighton on Wednesday extended their winning streak to six matches and lifted them to third, six points behind leaders Arsenal. The two sides meet on Saturday, a game that has stirred growing excitement among Villa supporters who have watched their team climb from the bottom of the table to the top end in just two months.

But Emery was firm in his message that perspective is essential.

“The future is unpredictable,” he said, speaking to media. “We must focus on each match. If we win tomorrow, we can be more positive, but if we don’t, nothing changes. Our race is each match.”

Emery highlighted how quickly fortunes can shift in the Premier League, noting Villa’s position only weeks ago as a reminder of the league’s volatility. While he does not see his side as favourites against Arsenal, he believes they have the tools to compete.

“I know we can win,” he added. “But we must stay consistent, stay humble.”

For now, Emery’s focus remains on steady progress rather than title talk, though Villa’s momentum suggests the conversation may be hard to avoid.

GFN | Finn Entwistle