The “Villans” are experiencing the longest winning streak as a Premier League team since March 1914, when they won even eleven times in a row. They are third in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester City and three behind leaders Arsenal. But Emery curbs his enthusiasm.
“We’re not title contenders. We’re where we are because we’re really competitive. The boys are really trying every game to live up to the demands we set and at the same time be consistent. We’re not completely satisfied yet, but for the last three or so years we’ve been consistent and finished in the top. We have to stay humble and know how to get points like against United,” said the 54-year-old Spaniard.
After the first five rounds of the current English league season, his team had only three points and scored a single goal. Since then, however, Aston Villa have won 33 of a possible 36 points. “At the start of the season, we weren’t 100 percent focused on the league due to various circumstances. We lost some games because we weren’t where we are now,” Emery said.
“We gradually built the team, improved tactically and individually and got the mentality in the players that we are showing now. Of course, we still have a lot to work on. We are in good shape,” said the former Valencia coach, Paris St. Germain, Arsenal or Villarreal.
Aston Villa have won 10 consecutive competitive matches at home. “I thank the fans for the way they transfer their energy to the players. We feel fantastic here, the players feel strong and confident here and it feels like our fortress here. I want to tell the fans to enjoy every moment and every game,” said Emery.
The confidence is also transferred to the players. “The most important thing about the Manchester game is that we weren’t at our best at all and we still won. That’s the sign of a very good team. The team has the most confidence in the time I’ve been here. We feel we can win every game,” said midfielder Morgan Rogers, who scored both of the Villans’ goals against United.
The Birmingham team is also doing well in the league phase of the Europa League, where they have won five out of six matches and are among the three best teams.
