Unai Emery told reporters that Aston Villa are no longer in contention for the Premier League title following recent results. The manager stated his squad must now focus on securing a top-five finish to ensure Champions League football for next season, according to Sky Sports. Villa currently sit in the upper echelons of the table but have faced a difficult run of fixtures.
Emery noted that the gap to the league leaders is now too significant to bridge with the remaining matches. Despite the setback, the club remains on track for its highest finish in several years. The Spanish coach emphasised the importance of consistency in the final stretch of the campaign, per reports from The Guardian.
Forward Ollie Watkins and midfielder John McGinn are expected to lead the side in upcoming domestic fixtures. The club hierarchy remains supportive of Emery's long-term project at Villa Park. According to Premier League data, Villa face several top-half rivals in March which will likely decide their final standing.
