Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was asked about competing for the Premier League title after his side’s win over Newcastle United
17:29, 25 Jan 2026Updated 19:10, 25 Jan 2026
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery celebrates after Ollie Watkins’ goal at Newcastle(Image: Richard Lee/Shutterstock)
Unai Emery insists he won’t entertain Premier League title talk after beating Newcastle United, just as he avoided it following last weekend’s defeat to Everton.
After a 1-0 loss to the Toffees at Villa Park, Emery’s side responded perfectly, winning both of their games this week against Fenerbahce and at St. James’ Park.
Emi Buendia opened the scoring against Newcastle with a stunning strike, before Ollie Watkins doubled the lead late on.
In his post-match press conference, Emery was asked why he doesn’t consider his side title contenders against Arsenal this season.
“Next week we play against Brentford. Last week we lost. Nobody asked me about being contenders for the title after Everton,” Emery responded.
“Okay, calm. Keep balance. I only know to work every day. I am being realistic. We are competing for the position we are in.
“We didn’t speak about it next week. We had a very difficult week. We reacted on Thursday and got up.
“Today we won and we got up to feel again confidence in everything we are doing. The next match is in Europe, and then Brentford. They are fantastic.
“In the day 35, more or less, where we are going to be in that moment, we can maybe speak in that moment. Now, we want to compete in each competition.
“We have some experiences. Last year and two years ago, we are competing against Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham… we are competing and we are there.
“Last year they asked the same about Forest, and they finished sixth. When we lost the first matches [of the season], nobody was asking me! ‘Maybe you are going to get relegated!’ I am always very positive and I work hard with the players every day.”
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