Aston Villa are a team flying right now.
Their 2-1 victory over Manchester United means that, come Christmas Day, they’ll be just three points behind Arsenal at the summit.
It is something that seemed unfeasible mere months ago. Villa, who have overachieved in recent years, struggled to score goals at the start of the season. Now, spearheaded by the magnificent Morgan Rogers, everything has changed.
Villa supporters are daring to dream. The title is within reach. Beat Chelsea and Arsenal in their next two matches and they could find themselves level with the Gunners at the summit.
But former Villa star Dean Saunders, speaking exclusively to GB News via Casino.org, the go-to platform helping British players in finding online casino sites, is unsure if they’ll go all the way.
“I don’t think so as Arsenal and Man City’s squad is too strong and Villa won’t be able to continue playing in all competitions with the squad they have,” he said when quizzed on whether his former club can win the title.
“But, they can go close and look at cups for silverware this season for sure.
Dean Saunders pictured during his time at Aston Villa
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“It’s been a great few months for Villa who are playing with huge confidence and a great style.
“Rogers has really impressed of late and is a top player.”
When Villa appointed Unai Emery as manager in 2022, some criticised the decision.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS
Danny Murphy, for example, said they couldn’t get anyone better than Steven Gerrard. How wrong he was.
Emery has guided Villa into Europe consistently and is now looking to win the Premier League for the first time.
Yet Saunders still thinks the former Arsenal, Villarreal, Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla boss doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
“No I don’t. He is an excellent coach, underrated and Villa are lucky to have him as head coach,” he continued.
“He has done a brilliant job since arriving and the way they are playing now, if they can keep this form up, they can look at one of the cups for silverware this season.
“The Europa League is definitely one which Unai has won a few times and Villa can target as they have started that competition well. With limited budget over the summer, Villa are sitting in third and on a very good run of form. Beating City and Arsenal at home is excellent.”
Aston Villa are three points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table
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REUTERSOne slight concern for the Villa faithful, however, is Ollie Watkins.
The England striker has scored just three league goals this season and, at times, finds himself on the fringes of the action.
With the January transfer window looming, some fans have called for new No 9 to be brought in. However, Saunders doesn’t agree with that.
“No, I don’t think so,” he stated.
“Watkins is a big player for Villa and should only be backed with confidence to keep looking to find the net. I like his approach to the game and he needs to play as much as possible, as seems a confidence player, so once the goals are coming then he can go on a good streak.
“Yes, Villa do need reinforcements in January if they can look to get loan player in or look to buy depending on their PSR. The more cover up front the better as they fight on many fronts this season for silverware.”
