3 Reasons Why Aston Villa Are Premier League Title Contenders

Sitting third in the table, level on points with Man City and within touching distance of leaders Arsenal, Villa have placed themselves in serious title-race territory. 

There may be scepticism about the Villans potential to challenge City and Arsenal all the way this season. But the numbers and performances suggest the Midlands outfit have a chance of contending. 

Here are three reasons why Aston Villa deserve to be taken seriously as Premier League title candidates. 

Title races are rarely won before Christmas, but they are often lost there. Crucially for Aston Villa, they haven’t fallen behind.

Emery’s side remain third, level on points with Man City (46) and just four behind Arsenal at the summit. The Villans could have faded in a crucial period of the season, yet they have sustained their challenge.

Historically, teams that remain within a narrow points margin of the top by mid-season are statistically far more likely to stay involved until the final run-in, or even win the title. 

In four of the last five Premier League seasons, the team in second has made up a four-point or more deficit to win the title after trailing at Christmas. 

In addition, Villa have taken advantage as the usual top four challengers, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool, have fallen behind this season. The Villans currently have a nine-point advantage over fifth-placed Chelsea and have shown few signs of allowing the chasing pack to get back within touching distance. 

One of the clearest markers of a title contender is the ability to beat rivals and Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have done exactly that.

Villa’s 2-1 home victory over Arsenal in December was perhaps the biggest statement. Against one of the Premier League’s most structured and dominant sides, Emery’s team showed tactical control, resilience, and the belief required to win tight, high-pressure matches, plus a stroke of fortune through Emiliano Buendia’s late winner. 

That result was part of a broader trend. Villa have enjoyed a prolonged winning run across competitions and have consistently taken points from teams in and around the top six. In 2025/26, Villa have beaten Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle and Man United in the Premier League. 

Emery’s influence is important here. His meticulous preparation and in-game management have turned Villa into one of the league’s most adaptable teams. They can dominate possession, sit deep and counter, or grind out narrow wins when momentum swings away. 

This tactical maturity has translated into big results and in a league where fine margins separate the title chasers from everyone else. 

Villa Park has become a tough ground to visit for most Premier League teams. 

Under Emery, Villa Park has re-established itself as one of the most intimidating venues in English football. Home form has been central to Villa’s points accumulation and they have taken 25 of their 46 Premier League points in Birmingham. 

This home strength was evident during an 11-match winning streak at Villa Park in all competitions from September to January. 

During that run, Villa showcased excellent game management. They saw few big, sweeping wins, but instead closed out narrow victories, with seven of the victories coming by one-goal margins. 

That is the kind of solidity and tactical nuance that can shape title challengers and provide the home foundation for a strong points tally. Maintaining this momentum will be key for the final push in the 2025/26 campaign.