Rival manager admits Spurs are more likely to finish in European places than his team
Unai Emery has suggested that Tottenham are bigger contenders for a top-four finish than Aston Villa despite his side’s win over the Lilywhites on Sunday.
The game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was billed as a proverbial six-pointer between two sides going head-to-head for Champions League qualification, with some pundits, like Tony Cascarino, backing the Villans to beat Spurs to a top-four finish this season (talkSPORT).
Villa leapfrogged Tottenham into fourth place yesterday, with goals in either half from Pau Torres and Ollie Watkins giving them all three points.
However, despite the win, Emery insisted that Ange Postecoglou’s men as well as six other clubs are bigger contenders for Champions League qualification than his side, insisting that there could be a lot more twists and turns to come over the season.
Are Spurs favourites to finish above Aston Villa?
When asked about his side’s Champions League prospects, the Spaniard told The Daily Mail: “There are seven team who are contenders more than us for the top seven positions, while we are there we are going to try to enjoy it and keep it.
“Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle. We can get confidence from wins like this. But it is still clear in my mind, we need balance. It’s 38 games, we have to show consistency.
“We are in a good position but not a contender but while we are there we have to try to keep it. We have to be happy, we have to enjoy and be demanding as well. Now we have to rest and think about Thursday and then Sunday against Bournemouth.”
Villa could potentially move five points clear of Tottenham next weekend with a win at the Vitality Stadium, with Spurs travelling to Manchester City on Sunday.
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It is clear that Emery is trying to take pressure off his side by playing down their chances of a top-four finish. He will undoubtedly be delivering a different message to his players.
Villa’s record since the 52-year-old arrived at the club is excellent and they will likely be one of our closest competitors for a top-four finish this season.
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