'We don't fear anyone' - Midfielder fires Aston Villa warning ahead of huge Arsenal clash

Midfielder Onana insists Unai Emery’s team are not thinking about a potential title challenge despite their charge up the table, declaring the visitors “clear favourites” for the crown.

But he admits Villa will enter Saturday’s match full of confidence following Wednesday’s thrilling fightback to win 4-3 at Brighton.

He told TalkSport: “It’s a big challenge coming up. Arsenal, for me, are clear favourites for the title this year.

“But at home we have always done pretty well against them. We don’t fear anyone. We will go into the match with the same mindset.”

Villa have been beaten just eight times on home turf in the Premier League since Emery took charge more than three years ago but two of those defeats have come against the Gunners, including a 2-0 reverse in their last meeting in B6 in August, 2024.

Every match, however, has been fiercely competitive, with Villa mounting a comeback to draw 2-2 when the sides last met at the Emirates in January.

Their current form, which has seen them surge from the bottom three up to third in the table, has prompted inevitable questions about a title challenge.

But Onana said: “The manager just tells us to take it step by step. We are still building the team, still finding our rhythm.

“We have won a lot of matches in a row but we just need to stay focused, get as many points as we can, win as many games as we can. That is all it is.

“Obviously wins like Wednesday give you a lot of confidence. If you see the flow we are in at the minute, I can feel something is happening at this club, that something is happening within this team and I am delighted to be part of it. 

“But we need to keep going because ultimately we have not won anything yet.”

Villa sat 19th in the table in September after failing to win any of their first five matches.

Asked about the reason for the dramatic turnaround, Onana smiled: “It is magic at the minute, honestly. 

“Obviously, the manager brings a lot of energy. He is trying to build the team tactically, trying to build principles and I think over the last three years you can see how we have progressed as a team and how each player is progressing in their own position. 

“It is a joy to watch.” 

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez is battling to face his former club after missing Wednesday’s win with a back problem. 

The goalkeeper suffered a spasm during pre-game warm-ups and was replaced in the team by Marco Bizot, who is again on hand to deputise against the Gunners.