Emery Urges Villa to Steer Clear of Newcastle's Top Four Plunge

Aston Villa can't afford to get complacent after their Champions League qualification. Manager Unai Emery has emphasized the importance of learning from Newcastle United's past struggles and focusing on bridging the gap at the top of the Premier League standings. Ahead of Saturday's match against Arsenal, Villa must stay focused and continue to work hard to maintain their position in the league.

Villa started their league season with a 2-1 victory at West Ham United last weekend. They finished fourth last season, which means they will compete in the Champions League this year.

Newcastle secured a top-four finish two seasons ago, but the next year Eddie Howe’s squad slipped to seventh place and missed out on European competition, as Manchester United’s FA Cup victory secured the final European spot.

"Last year Newcastle were playing in the Champions League, two years ago they were in the top four, but they didn’t get it last year for different reasons," the Spaniard told reporters.

“We want to avoid some circumstances that could lead us the same way like Newcastle or other teams in the past."

The increased number of matches could impact Villa's performance in this campaign, and Emery said Villa aim to secure a European berth again this season.

"This is our challenge, to keep the same structure and idea, being strong to be a contender ourselves to be in the top seven, top five or top four," the Villa manager added.

"Because our objective of course is to be in Europe regularly, consistently, and if we are in the Champions League we can achieve our dreams again."