Aston Villa threw a huge spanner in Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title on Sunday afternoon as they stole all three points at The Emirates – and Alan Shearer has heaped praise on Unai Emery.
Going into the game, Arsenal might have just watched Liverpool lose to Crystal Palace at Anfield – giving them the chance to go top of the table and overtake Liverpool. But they threw that chance in the bin.
Villa are hardly a walkover, though. The Midlands club are still pushing for a place in the top four and after Newcastle’s win over Tottenham, they had the chance to secure their place in fourth with a win.
Of course, a John McGinn goal won the game for Emery against his former side in the reverse fixture. The Scottish ace wasn’t on target this time, but Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins did find the back of the net.
Unai Emery might have just ended Arsenal pursuit of title
Arsenal had numerous chances, notably Leandro Trossard’s effort from six yards out – somehow blocked by Emi Martinez. Villa themselves hit the woodwork twice, including a gorgeous Youri Tielemans effort.
But it was Jamaica star Bailey that opened the scoring, tapping home after a loose ball found it’s way to the former Leverkusen star. Then, Watkins went through on goal, chipping perfectly under David Raya.
In response to Bailey’s goal, Emery went wild on the touchline, punching the air and running around with his technical staff. That is of course, having managed Arsenal for 18 months – winning 43 of 78 games.
Emery has often been criticised for his time at Arsenal but if anything, it was an underrated time in the dugout with The Gunners. His form at Villa has been sublime. He celebrated like it meant something.
What Alan Shearer said about Emery celebrating against Arsenal
Alan Shearer responded having watched Emery celebrate wildly on the touchline against Arsenal, his old side. Speaking on Match of the Day, he was delighted to see the Spaniard celebrate with such passion.
“I absolutely love this [Emery celebrating]. Forget about not celebrating against a former club nonsense. It was a tactical masterclass. He’s done the double over his old club. What a job he is doing, what a season.”
It is a weekend that ios likely to prove fatal in the race for the title, for both Liverpool and Arsenal. Man City now sit two clear and with six to play, it seems difficult to see Pep Guardiola’s side dropping points.