Aston Villa have completed the mother of all weeks, defeating Arsenal and Manchester City in the space of a few days, fuelling talk of a potential tilt at the Premier League title.
Manager Unai Emery is no stranger to trophies, having guided several of his former teams to success prior to rocking up at Villa Park.
Now pundits, commentators and spectators are wondering if the Spaniard can guide the Villains to the ultimate prize in English football after beating his former side thanks to an early John McGinn goal, leaving just two points off the top of the table.
But Emery knows better than to get ahead of himself this early in the campaign. “I will speak again when we are in game 30-32 and if we are in the same position as now then maybe I can speak about it,” he told Sky Sports after the final whistle.
“At the start we are not a contender, it is only game 16. We are in (the top four) and must try to keep it. It is difficult, we are not dominating away matches like we are here.”
This season is a slog for Villa, as their Europa Conference League commitments mean they are playing every 3-4 days, but they are making a habit of digging out big victories.
“It was a tough match and we were tired, but we started the game well,” he admitted. “They were imposing their position on the pitch, but our goalkeeper was amazing.
“We tried to defend and keep possession longer than we did. We competed and it was a fantastic three points in a tough week. We have to be happy but also keep balance.”
Villa have now won their last 15 home league games in a row, something only four other Premier League teams have done in the history of the competition.
“I’ve never achieved this and I won’t again in my future as a coach,” Emery said. “But we have to try to understand we are competing well and the next challenge will be Sheffield United and another tough match.
“It is brilliant here at Villa Park with our supporters and how they are supporting us.”
