Even though Newcastle United is 15 points out of fourth place, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery thinks he can’t write Newcastle United out of the race for Champions League qualifying.
After a 3-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Magpies closed the deficit to 12 points, but Villa swiftly regained their lead in Saturday’s teatime kickoff with a late 3-2 victory at Luton Town.
Villa leads Manchester United by eleven points in sixth place and Tottenham Hotspur by five points in fifth, but Emery thinks anything can happen in the 11 games left. Chelsea, who are currently 11th and 19 points out of the top four, was even mentioned by the Spaniard.
“I can’t rule Tottenham, Man United, even Chelsea or Newcastle out of the possibility to get us,” stated Emery. “I also wish to convey the same idea. We will attempt to concentrate on each match and score as many points as we can till games 32, 33, or 34. Up until we get there, we are not contenders.
“Once we arrive, we may be able to adjust our goals. Naturally, we strive to maintain our happiness, but we also realize that we must work hard and be humble.”
This season, Newcastle has defeated Aston Villa both at home and away. After defeating Villa Park 3-1 in January thanks to an own goal by Alex Moreno and a brace from Fabian Schar, United won 5-1 on opening day.
