Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has tipped Aston Villa to challenge for 2023/24 Premier League title following a classic and competitive performance against his his side Manchester City.
Speaking in post-match press conference, Guardiola lauds what his counterpart Unai Emery is doing at Villa Park from his bench selection, Aston Villa's style of play, the determination by the players, and the overall organization of the squad.
"Definitely, Aston Villa are title contenders. If you look at the way they are playing...the physicality, the tempo, the speed, the bench and the overall organization...Unai is actually doing a great job," Guardiola said.
Aston Villa secured a statement win over Manchester City at Villa Park thanks to Leon Bailey's deflected goal which turned out to be the match-winner.
While it may be too early to pass Aston Villa as potent contenders for the 2023/24 Premier League title, the Villains pulled off a telling and classic display against Manchester City.
Despite slightly losing possession to the away side, they effectively bundled City on all fronts - winning duels, dominating the half spaces, foiling their attacks while wielding a more dominant attacking presence in the game.
City struggled to contain Aston Villa's speed and spirited attacks, and conceded 7 attempts on target while they could only manage 2.
Most significantly, Manchester City were tipped to peg back the home side from their domineering home run in the league but it turned out to the reverse.
In 14 games, Aston Villa had turned the Villa Park into a fortress, winning all their matches, and Manchester City became the latest casualty.
With the victory over City, Aston Villa rose to third on the Premier League table with 32 points after 15 games - 2 points away from Liverpool in second place, and 4 points away from League leaders Arsenal.
Can Aston Villa challenge for 2023/24 Premier League title?
Unai Emery is doing a great job with Aston Villa. The former Arsenal and Villarreal boss has transformed Aston Villa into formidable team. However, with 15 games into the season, it will be too early to pass off the Villans as potent contenders for the Premier League title.
Aston Villa have fill the void left by top clubs like Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea who are struggling with a piling list of injured players.
It is believed with most big clubs ready to have some of their players back after the new year, the tides and structure of the Premier League table will change to perfectly define who is in for the Premier League race and who is not.
However, Aston Villa are more likely to challenge for a top four finish this season if they maintain their current form.
Speaking in post-match press conference, Guardiola lauds what his counterpart Unai Emery is doing at Villa Park from his bench selection, Aston Villa's style of play, the determination by the players, and the overall organization of the squad.
"Definitely, Aston Villa are title contenders. If you look at the way they are playing...the physicality, the tempo, the speed, the bench and the overall organization...Unai is actually doing a great job," Guardiola said.
Aston Villa secured a statement win over Manchester City at Villa Park thanks to Leon Bailey's deflected goal which turned out to be the match-winner.
While it may be too early to pass Aston Villa as potent contenders for the 2023/24 Premier League title, the Villains pulled off a telling and classic display against Manchester City.
Despite slightly losing possession to the away side, they effectively bundled City on all fronts - winning duels, dominating the half spaces, foiling their attacks while wielding a more dominant attacking presence in the game.
City struggled to contain Aston Villa's speed and spirited attacks, and conceded 7 attempts on target while they could only manage 2.
Most significantly, Manchester City were tipped to peg back the home side from their domineering home run in the league but it turned out to the reverse.
In 14 games, Aston Villa had turned the Villa Park into a fortress, winning all their matches, and Manchester City became the latest casualty.
With the victory over City, Aston Villa rose to third on the Premier League table with 32 points after 15 games - 2 points away from Liverpool in second place, and 4 points away from League leaders Arsenal.
Can Aston Villa challenge for 2023/24 Premier League title?
Unai Emery is doing a great job with Aston Villa. The former Arsenal and Villarreal boss has transformed Aston Villa into formidable team. However, with 15 games into the season, it will be too early to pass off the Villans as potent contenders for the Premier League title.
Aston Villa have fill the void left by top clubs like Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea who are struggling with a piling list of injured players.
It is believed with most big clubs ready to have some of their players back after the new year, the tides and structure of the Premier League table will change to perfectly define who is in for the Premier League race and who is not.
However, Aston Villa are more likely to challenge for a top four finish this season if they maintain their current form.