Emery’s Villa Seek to Damage Arsenal’s Premier League Title Hopes

Unai Emery returns to confront one of his managerial failures on Tuesday, aiming to inflict significant damage to Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions. After being dismissed by the Gunners in 2019, Emery has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at Aston Villa, transforming them from relegation battlers into genuine title contenders.

Villa’s Impressive Rise to the Summit

Villa’s recent 2-1 victory over Chelsea extended their winning streak to 11 matches—their longest since 1914. Despite a poor start that saw them fail to win their opening six games, the Birmingham club now sits just three points behind Arsenal at the top of the table. This remarkable surge represents one of football’s most impressive comebacks, as the club competes for their first league title since 1981.

Emery’s tactical excellence was evident in Saturday’s Chelsea triumph, where he orchestrated a dramatic second-half turnaround. A triple substitution in the 60th minute proved decisive, with Ollie Watkins scoring twice after coming off the bench. Watkins himself described his manager’s tactical adjustment as “genius.”

Emery’s History Against Arsenal Speaks Volumes

Emery holds a strong record against his former employers, having won twice in ten encounters across his spells at PSG, Villarreal, and Villa. Most notably, he masterminded a 2-0 victory at the Emirates in April 2024 that ultimately cost Arsenal the title that season.

While few expect Villa to maintain their challenge over the remaining 20 games against Arsenal and Manchester City’s superior resources, Emery’s men have already proven they belong among the elite. A victory against Arsenal would cement their status as serious title contenders rather than merely impressive performers.