Mikel Arteta delivers Aston Villa title verdict as he responds to Unai Emery and Arsenal theory

Aston Villa have the chance to move just three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal this weekend

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta(Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta claims Aston Villa can compete for the Premier League title if they maintain their strong form.

Unai Emery’s side have won eight of their last nine Premier League matches and 12 of their last 14 games in all competitions.

After drawing 1–1 with Sunderland, Villa have climbed into the top three over the last two-and-a-half months and now sit just one point behind second-placed Manchester City.

Indeed, since the start of March, no side has won more Premier League games than Villa, who have also lost to only one team at home since their first match at Villa Park last season – Arsenal.

“Well, for what they’ve been doing, the way they’ve been playing and winning these matches, certainly it’s a team that is in great form and we know that,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference.

“We know obviously the manager and the incredible job that he’s done there as well. So we know the task tomorrow, but we always think it’s an opportunity.”

Asked if there’s extra motivation for Emery to get a result because he used to manage the Gunners, Arteta said: “I think when you look at Unai, his career, his motivation level, everywhere there’s been an impact that he’s done, it’s always been remarkable.

“So I don’t know, that’s a question for him. But in my opinion, he never needs anything extra. I think he’s good enough in himself.”

If Villa win the match, they will close the gap between themselves and Arsenal to just three points, so Arteta was also asked if Emery’s side can challenge for the title.

“Well, if they continue, look where they are already, so if they continue what they’ve been doing, I think any club, any team in that position has chances for sure,” Arteta continued.

What do you make of Arteta’s comments? Tell us here

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