Aston Villa have received strong backing in the Premier League title race after former England internationals Chris Sutton and Sue Smith warned fans not to write off Unai Emery’s side. The duo believe Villa’s consistent performances show they deserve to be taken seriously as genuine contenders this season.

Villa strengthened their title credentials with a 2–1 victory over Manchester United, recording their 10th straight win in all competitions. The result keeps them third on the league table, just one point behind Manchester City and close to leaders Arsenal. Despite not playing at their very best, Emery’s team once again found a way to get the job done.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sutton questioned why Aston Villa should not dream big. He noted that the club continues to surprise critics week after week, even when expectations are low. Smith echoed the same view, stressing that Villa keep overcoming every challenge put in front of them.

With Arsenal narrowly beating Everton to remain top, the title race remains tight and unpredictable. Aston Villa’s steady rise and fearless approach have now put them firmly in the conversation, and many believe they could continue to shock the traditional favourites as the season progresses.