​Will Villa Win the Premier League? Shearer: With Emery in Charge, Anything Is Possible

 
December 28 – In the recently concluded Premier League Round 18, Aston Villa came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 thanks to Ollie Watkins' brace, extending their winning streak to 11 consecutive victories. But does Villa truly have what it takes to challenge for the Premier League title? Legendary striker Alan Shearer, speaking after the match, highlighted the key factor: Unai Emery.

Their fans believe it, Aston Villa's players seem to believe it, but Emery would never say whether he believes it. However, one thing is undeniable – Aston Villa must now be taken seriously as Premier League title contenders.

Villa's 11-match winning streak matches the club record set in September 1897 and March 1914. They have now won eight consecutive top-flight matches for the first time since a run of nine victories between October and December 1910. After Round 5 this season, Villa sat 18th in the table without a single Premier League win. Starting from Round 6, they have won more matches and earned more points than any other team. In Premier League history, Villa have never had more points after 18 matches than their current tally of 39.

Although Emery may shy away from title talk, his impact at Villa and his transformative ability – match-winner Watkins described his manager as a "tactical genius" – mean they are now firmly at the heart of the conversation at the top of the table.

Villa's real test may come in their very next match, as they travel to the Emirates Stadium on December 30 local time to face league leaders Arsenal. But Emery is accustomed to causing trouble for his former clubs. He ticks all the boxes of an elite manager: leading Villa into the Champions League last season, missing out on this season's UCL spot only on the final day of last season, and now guiding them to within 3 points of the top and just 1 point behind Manchester City.

Alan Shearer, the legendary striker and *Match of the Day* pundit, pointed to the manager factor as one reason why Aston Villa might ultimately defy even his own belief that they won't win the title.

"We're almost halfway through the season, and you have to say Aston Villa are genuine title contenders. Do I think they'll win it? No, but that's purely because their squad depth isn't quite there yet. But with Emery in charge, anything is possible."

"His in-game management is excellent, as he showed again with his triple substitution at Stamford Bridge. They weren't in the game in the first half, but bringing on Watkins, Jadon Sancho, and Amadou Onana was inspired."

"His team just doesn't know when it's beaten. Where would they be if they hadn't had such a poor start? To think they've gone from five winless games at the start to this incredible club-record winning run is remarkable. They're now 10 points clear of fifth place, which will please Emery. What they're doing is great for the Premier League – absolutely brilliant. They go to the Emirates next, and what a game that will be."

Emery wouldn't even whisper his title aspirations, but Aston Villa's performances are shouting them for him. The outstanding manager will lead his team to Arsenal on Tuesday, with his side having already positioned themselves at the heart of the title race.

Source: BBC