Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes Aston Villa could rival his side in the Premier League title race this season. The Gunners are currently the favourites to be named as champions with a five-point advantage over nearest rivals Manchester City.

Aston Villa are just one point further behind, having enjoyed an impressive run under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery. Ahead of the two sides coming together at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon, Arteta has suggested that the Midlands side could well be contenders for the title.

He said: “Well, if they continue where they are already, so if they continue what they’ve been doing, I think any club, any team in that position has chances for sure. For what they’ve been doing, the way they’ve been playing and winning matches, certainly it’s a team that is in great form and we know that.

“We know obviously the manager and the incredible job he’s done there as well, so we know the task tomorrow, but we always take it as an opportunity.

“Every time you win a game, obviously, you are a little bit closer to your objective, and it’s the only thing that we can do. We have to focus on performing, preparing really well for tomorrow, we know the kind of game that we’re going to play and be ready for it to fulfil our potential.”

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Arteta has also been full of praise for the work that former Gunners boss Unai Emery has done with Villa, having transformed the side from relegation contenders to regular European participants. He added: “I think when you look at Unai, his career, his motivation level, everywhere he’s had an impact, it’s all been remarkable.

“So I don’t know, that’s a question for him. But in my opinion, he never needs anything extra. I think he’s good enough in himself.”

Despite Arteta’s billing that Villa could be surprise contenders for the title, that is not one shared by Emery, who believes that Arsenal are in pole position. He said: “We are really happy how we are progressing.

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“How we are competing, how we are getting points, how we are now with the really huge opportunity tomorrow to play against Arsenal – the best team until now, and of course, I think the favourites to win this trophy in the Premier League, because they are performing and competing fantastic, really fantastic.

“And how we are now, after our progress, tomorrow is a really huge test. Huge test collectively, huge test individually, and for me as a coach as well, I am delighted to have this opportunity to play tomorrow against Arsenal, with the level they have, and with the level we achieved as well, the last month.”

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