Unai Emery declined to describe Aston Villa as Premier League title challengers after their 1-0 victory over champions Manchester City.
Villa outplayed triple winners City on Wednesday, highlighting their tremendous development since Emery took over last season.
Leon Bailey’s deflected effort in the 74th minute handed Villa their 14th successive home win.
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, feels Villa may “definitely” be in the title race at the conclusion of the season.
Emery’s team is only four points behind leaders Arsenal, who visit Villa Park on Saturday for a crucial clash.
However, before of the encounter with the club that fired him in 2019, Emery downplayed Villa’s chances of winning the Premier League for the first time since 1981.
“We aren’t even contenders.” “There are seven teams that are stronger than us,” Emery remarked.
“We are now in game 15.” We have game 16 against Arsenal on Saturday, and we will concentrate on that.
“We are happy to be third but to keep it is going to be very difficult.”
Although Emery was careful to keep Villa fans’ expectations in check, their incredible run has propelled them into contention for a top-four finish.
Even the wary Spaniard admitted he would consider a title bid if Villa maintained their present level of quality and passion.
“We’re going to try to keep it while we’re there.” If we keep growing throughout the season, playing matches and winning, we might be a contender, but I think we need more time,” he remarked.
“We can dream, but we’re not contenders.” Maybe by the 30th or 32nd game, but not yet.”
Wednesday’s victory earned Emery his first victory over Guardiola at the 14th attempt, 15 years to the day since they first met.
“Always I like to prepare matches against the best teams, the best players and the best coaches,” he stated.
“When you play at a high level, your opponents are also at a high level.” But beating him for me is nothing out of the ordinary. It’s a process I’m going through as a coach.”