Newcastle take on Aston Villa this Saturday at Villa Park in what is a crucial game for the Magpies as they fight for Champions League qualification.
Almost out of nowhere, the Villans also find themselves fighting for a place in one of UEFA’s three European competitions, after a stunning run of six wins and a draw from the last seven games lifted them to sixth.
Ahead of the clash between Newcastle and Aston Villa, Unai Emery has shared his thoughts on the Magpies.
What’s the story?
Well, Emery could have actually been in Eddie Howe‘s shoes.
The Spaniard was Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi’s No.1 target to replace Steve Bruce, although – as detailed by the Guardian – he rejected Newcastle.
Nevertheless, Emery seems to have a lot of respect for the Magpies.
BBC Sport quote the 51-year-old as saying: “Their development has been very, very strong. They are building a serious team, a very organised team, they are one of the best in the Premier League.”
The statistics back up what Emery is saying.
No side has conceded fewer goals than Newcastle’s 21 concessions in 29 Premier League outings this season.
Furthermore, no Premier League side have kept more clean sheets than Newcastle’s 13 shutouts.
Aston Villa could join Newcastle in top four
Looking at the Premier League table, it is quite remarkable to see where Aston Villa are now.
The Villans sit sixth with 47 points to their name, nine points away from Newcastle in third.
Of course, that is not a gap that can be bridged easily.
However, if Emery continues to pick up wins while the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United stutter, it is not farfetched to say that Aston Villa could join Newcastle in the top four.
Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, Emery is doing a fantastic job in the Midlands.
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