“The way they are playing, the tempo and organisation from Unai, they are definitely title contenders”- Pep Guardiola pays Aston Villa ultimate compliment as he declares them PL title contenders after watching them beat Man City
Pep Guardiola has declared Aston Villa as Premier League title contenders after watching the Villans incredible performance to grab a win against his City team on Wednesday evening.
Leon Bailey’s 74th minute winner sent Villa above the reigning champions and up to third in the table, four points behind leaders Arsenal who they host on Saturday.
Asked if Unai Emery’s men can win the title, Guardiola replied: “Definitely. For the way they are playing and when you are there and see the physicality, the tempo the speed, the bench, the organisation from Unai and the set pieces and the high pressing and medium block, how incredible they defend the back and a good keeper… They are definitely title contenders, absolutely.”
Villa boss Emery disagreed, sticking with his claim there are seven stronger teams in the top flight.
Few will believe him after Wednesday’s win. Emi Martinez twice denied Erling Haaland in quick succession but they were City’s only two attempts on goals of the match, the fewest ever by a Guardiola team in Europe’s top five leagues.
Villa finished with 22 attempts on goal and though Bailey’s winner came courtesy of a deflection off Ruben Dias, it was deserved.
Emery’s men will host the Gunners aiming for a 15th consecutive home league win to beat a record which has stood since 1903.
