Unai Emery makes new Newcastle United claim as Aston Villa repeat success

The Magpies, although sit five places below, are just three points behind sixth place Villa after last Saturday’s 1-0 win over title hopefuls Arsenal ended a run of five games without a win.

Meanwhile, Emery side’s suffered a 4-1 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur.

Both clubs have enjoyed a similar protectory in recent seasons. In 2022-23, Newcastle qualified for the Champions League and Villa repeated that feat 12 months later.

The extra games, however, took its toll on Howe’s squad with an unprecedented amount of injuries ultimately leading to them missing out on Europe last season, despite doing well to finish seventh.

Even the start of this campaign has brought a mixed bag of results and performances but Emery expects Newcastle to be right up there again come May.

"There are three very strong teams who are consistent like Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal but there are other contenders like Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle," the Spaniard told Sky Sports. "We are there. They are top teams, seven teams, and we are more or less competing with them.

"Leicester won and when they won the Premier League was very difficult and maybe impossible for someone. This is a lesson. Nothing is impossible in football. You can dream and you can work hard to try and get it."

United did the double over Villa last term, winning 5-1 at St James’ Park before winning 3-1 at Villa Park. The two clubs don’t again meet until Boxing Day.