Unai Emery: Aston Villa 'not thinking' about Premier League title challenge
Unai Emery has told Villa’s players to ignore talk of a possible title challenge after Saturday’s stunning win over Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Emi Buendia’s 95th minute winner saw Villa down the Gunners 2-1 and move to within three points off the summit.
But Emery, who in his programme notes said it was too early to talk about the title race, is continuing to play down their chances.
He said: “We are not thinking if we are going to be a contender for the decision in the Premier League.
“My message to the players is not (to talk about it). We are going to try and enjoy each moment.
“They should enjoy Saturday. 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.”
Villa will return to training on Tuesday, with Emery granting his players extra time off to recover from a hectic week which saw them win all three matches against Wolves, Brighton and Arsenal.
Emery’s men have now won five straight in the Premier League and seven in all competitions.
Matty Cash’s third goal of the season put them ahead against the Gunners but Leandro Trossard’s equaliser looked like earning the visitors a point before Buendia, an 87th minute substitute, fired home with virtually the last kick of the game following an almighty goalmouth scramble.
Emery, who ended up on the pitch during the celebrations, said: “The goal we scored is fantastic because it was an example of everything. How we were pushing. How we were wishing to win.
“I’m so proud of everything we did together, the supporters at Villa Park, the players and how they are responding.
“We are happy because we closed the week getting the ambitious target we had.”
