Aston Villa secured one of their most dramatic victories of the season as Emi Buendia scored deep into stoppage time to defeat Arsenal 2–1, completing a perfect week and keeping the club within striking distance of the Premier League summit.
But despite the growing excitement among supporters, manager Unai Emery continues to downplay any suggestion that his side are title contenders.
“We are not thinking if we are going to be a contender for the decision in the Premier League,” he said.
“My message to the players is not (to talk about it).”
Villa entered the match after consecutive victories over Wolves and Brighton, and Emery rewarded his squad with extra rest following a demanding schedule.
The team has now won five consecutive Premier League matches and seven straight across all competitions, a run that has propelled them into the league’s top tier.
The win over Arsenal, however, was arguably their most emotional.
Matty Cash opened the scoring with his third goal of the season, giving Villa early control.
Arsenal fought back and leveled through Leandro Trossard, setting up a tense second half dominated by intensity, half-chances and heavy pressure from the visitors.
As the match moved into stoppage time, Arsenal appeared poised to secure a point.
But substitute Emi Buendia, introduced in the 87th minute, produced a dramatic finish following a chaotic goalmouth scramble.
He slammed home the winner with virtually the last kick of the match, sparking wild celebrations on and off the pitch.
Emery himself found his way onto the grass during the emotional scenes.
“The goal we scored is fantastic because it was an example of everything,” he said.
“How we were pushing. How we were wishing to win.”
Despite the growing chatter about Villa’s title prospects, Emery insists that his side must stay grounded.
“They should enjoy Saturday,” he said.
“Enjoy winning, enjoy playing with our supporters and feel like we are now, with confidence and feeling comfortable.”
“But it is each match, game-by-game.”
The manager’s message has been consistent throughout the campaign — maintain focus, ignore external noise and prioritise incremental progress.
Villa’s cohesion, defensive shape and improved finishing have contributed to their recent surge.
The squad appears unified in following Emery’s disciplined tactical approach, which has transformed the club since his arrival.
The manager praised the collective effort shown in the latest victory.
“I’m so proud of everything we did together, the supporters at Villa Park, the players and how they are responding,” he said.
“We are happy because we closed the week getting the ambitious target we had.”
With momentum building and key players hitting form, Villa’s position near the top of the table is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook — even if Emery refuses to entertain title talk publicly.
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