John McGinn celebrates after scoring Aston Villa

Title contenders? Aston Villa two points off top of Premier League after wins over Tottenham, Manchester City & Arsenal in last three weeks for Unai Emery’s side

December 9, 2023 Sports 16 Views

Aston Villa have moved to just two points off the top of the Premier League after Saturday’s 1-0 win at home to Arsenal.

Captain John McGinn gave Unai Emery’s side the lead after just seven minutes, when he controlled a cross from Leon Bailey and blasted a shot past David Raya.

Villa survived a sustained spell of pressure from Arsenal late in the game and the Gunners also had a late Kai Havertz effort ruled out for handball following a lengthy VAR review.

The Villans held on for a 15th consecutive Premier League win under Emery across last season and this one and are two points behind leaders Liverpool with 16 games played.

Emery’s side have now beaten three of the top six in the past two weeks, having defeated Tottenham in north London in late November, before a win against Manchester City in midweek and Saturday’s victory against Arsenal.

In between the win at Spurs and the victory against City, Villa drew 2-2 against Bournemouth.

After the win against his former club Arsenal, Emery was not getting carried away.

Asked about the title, he said: “I will speak when we are in [week] 30, 32, and if we are in the same position then as we are now, I can speak about [the title race].”

And speaking on Sky Sports, McGinn joked: “I’m banning the T-word. It’s game week 16, so there’s a long, long way to go, and we respect everyone in front of us who have been in this position for years.

“We’re newbies. Can we keep it up? Hopefully.”