'I can't' - Aston Villa boss makes surprise Newcastle United, Chelsea & Man United claim

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says he can't rule Newcastle United out of the race for Champions League qualification, despite sitting 15 points off fourth place.

The Magpies cut the gap to 12 points following the 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers but Villa quickly restored their advantage in Saturday's teatime kick-off with a late 3-2 win at Luton Town.

Villa are five points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth and 11 above Manchester United in sixth but Emery believes anything is still possible in the remaining 11 games. The Spaniard even namedropped Chelsea, who sit 11th and 19 points away from the top four.

 "I can't rule Tottenham, Man United, even Chelsea or Newcastle out of the possibility to get us," said Emery. "And I want to send the same message. Until game 32, 33 or 34 we are going to try to focus on each match and get as many points as we can. We are not contenders until we are there.

"If we get there then we can maybe change our objectives. Of course, we're very happy and we try to keep it but we know we have to be humble and work hard."

Newcastle have beaten Aston Villa both home and away this campaign. On the opening day, United won 5-1 before winning 3-1 at Villa Park in January following a brace from Fabian Schar and an Alex Moreno own goal.