Arteta Warns Arsenal: Aston Villa Are Real Title Contenders

Mikel Arteta has tipped Aston Villa to be genuine contenders in the Premier League title race as his Arsenal side prepare for a crucial clash at Villa Park on Saturday.

The Gunners currently sit five points clear at the top of the table and could extend their lead to eight with victory, but Arteta insists Unai Emery’s in-form team cannot be overlooked.

Villa have surged into third place after winning seven of their last eight matches across all competitions, including a 1–0 triumph over Manchester City and a thrilling 4–3 comeback win against Brighton.

That run has brought them within six points of Arsenal and just one behind City, prompting Arteta to acknowledge their credentials.

‘If they continue what they’ve been doing, any team in that position has chances for sure,’ he said in his pre-match press conference.

‘For what they’ve been doing, the way they’ve been playing and winning matches, certainly it’s a team that is in great form and we know that.’

Arteta also praised Emery’s impact since taking charge of Villa in 2022, noting the Spaniard’s consistency in qualifying for Europe and guiding the club to the Champions League quarter-finals last season.

The fixture carries added intrigue given Emery’s history at Arsenal, where he was dismissed in 2019 after 18 months in charge.

Arteta, who succeeded him, stressed that Emery’s motivation and career achievements speak for themselves. ‘Everywhere he’s had an impact, it’s all been remarkable,’ Arteta added.