has played down ’s chances of finishing in the top-four, claiming that there are seven teams who are bigger contenders.
That’s despite his side recording an impressive comeback win at on Sunday.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring for the home team, but goals either side of the break from Pau Torres and Ollie Watkins allowed Villa to leap-frog their rivals into fourth in the table.
After 13 games, the Villans are just two points behind leaders Arsenal, a point off Manchester City and only behind Liverpool on goal difference.
While challenging for the title may be a little out of reach this season, some believe they are well-placed to finish in the Champions League spots, though that is not an opinion shared by Emery himself.
In fact, the manager is not even sure his side will finish in the top seven and qualify for Europe at all.
‘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,’ Emery told the following the win at Spurs.
‘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 [against Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League] and then Sunday against Bournemouth.’
While competition for the European spots is tight, it is surprising to see Emery talk up Chelsea’s chances with the Blues currently 12 points off Villa and nine off seventh-placed Newcastle, with both Brighton and West Ham ahead in the table.
But even if Villa fail to make it, they will still qualify for the Europa League next season if they win the Conference League, which they are the favourites to do.
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