Manager reflects on lessons learnt from past seasons
Third-placed Villa visit leaders Arsenal on Tuesday
Unai Emery said “dreaming is for free” as Aston Villa prepare to face Arsenal knowing victory on Tuesday would cement their place in the Premier League title race and that January arrivals could enhance their chances of staying the distance. Emery warned Villa must learn lessons from 2023-24, when they also had 39 points from their opening 18 matches but ended up finishing fourth.
Despite failing to win any of their first six matches in all competitions and not scoring their first league goal until late September, Villa are third in the division, a point behind Manchester City and three off the leaders, Arsenal. Emery recognises Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will want revenge after losing the reverse fixture at Villa Park earlier this month, Emi Buendía’s stoppage-time strike maintaining Villa’s winning run, which now stands at a club-record-equalling 11 matches after Saturday’s comeback victory at Chelsea.
Emery has consistently downplayed Villa’s chances of being in the conversation for the title but caveated his position when asked whether supporters should temper expectations. “Dreams are free,” the Villa manager said. “Everyone has to dream. I have my dream and I am here getting my dream. My huge dream here and as a coach is to win the Champions League. That is my dream, all my life. The level I am, my dream is still to win Champions League. I don’t know if I can have again this opportunity.
