The Villans 2-0 win at the Emirates had wider implications than Arsenal just losing further ground in the supposed title race that they are supposed to be involved in. The Midlands club are fast establishing themselves as the best team outside the ‘Big Four’, with their goalless draw against Manchester United demonstrating that they can now mix it up with the big boys.

Sky Sports reports that Sir Alex Ferguson genuinely feels as though Aston Villa could be playing Champions League football next term, and it’s hard to seperate them and Arsenal right now. Martin O’Neill’s team now occupy fourth place and Fergie was impressed by what he saw from the team in claret and blue on Saturday evening.

“We had good chances but Villa were really aggressive and determined and really set out to make it difficult for us, playing one up front with Ashley Young joining in as a wide player coming in and then going back out wide,” said Ferguson.

“We handled that well but this game proved that Aston Villa are a much improved side.

“There is no doubt that Villa have got a lot more consistency about them at present and I definitely think they really could be in the top four.”

Aston Villa supporters, do you genuinely believe that you will be watching your team in Europe’s blue riband event next season? Despite losses against Newcastle and Middlesbrough recently, it has been a very strong season for the Villans to date, and there must be several concerned Arsenal fans out there, especially with the Champions League providing such a valuable revenue stream for any club.

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