Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has expressed his disagreement with Unai Emery, the Aston Villa manager, concerning comments made about the Premier League title race.
Despite Aston Villa’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Saturday, Emery downplayed his team’s chances of competing for the Premier League title this season.
Currently, Emery’s team sits three points behind Arsenal, who are at the top of the Premier League table, and just one point behind Manchester City, who are in second place, after 15 matches.
In his post-match interview following Aston Villa’s win against Arsenal at Villa Park, Emery responded to a question about his team’s title aspirations this season by saying: “I am not thinking it. I know 38 matches is very difficult. We’re not a contender.”
In contrast, Arteta firmly disagreed with Emery, asserting that Villa is indeed a contender for the title after their victory over the Gunners.
“They are,” Arteta stated during his post-match interview when asked if Villa could challenge for the title.
“When you consider their current position, their style of play, and the fact that they have defeated several strong teams, particularly at home, it’s clear they are in the mix. Everyone will face each other, so as it stands, they are where they are, and we are in our position too.