Unai Emery’s Aston Villa face a formidable challenge when they welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime.
Emery admitted that Arsenal’s visit will serve as the ultimate test of Villa’s ambitions, with his side having surged to third place after a slow start to the campaign.
Villa collected just three points and scored only once in their opening five league games,
but have since won eight of their last nine, closing the gap to Arsenal to six points.
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Arsenal remain strong contenders for their first Premier League title in 20 years. Emery believes his former club is the clear favourite ahead of the fixtures.
“We now have a really huge opportunity to play against Arsenal, the best team until now, and, of course, I think the favourites to win the Premier League because they are performing and competing fantastically,” Emery said.
“After our progress is a really huge test, a huge test collectively, individually, and for me as a coach. I’m delighted to have this opportunity.”
While a title challenge may still be a stretch for Villa, they are firmly in the hunt for a Champions League return and sit joint-top of their Europa League group.
A victory in Saturday’s early kick-off would lift Villa into second place, at least temporarily, ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Sunderland later in the day.
Emery faces his former club with Villa boasting an eight-match winning run at home, conceding just three goals in that period.
But Arsenal have enjoyed success at Villa Park recently, winning 2-0 there in August 2024 before the sides shared an entertaining four-goal draw at the Emirates in January.
