Former England captain Wayne Rooney has bluntly dismissed Aston Villa's chances of lifting the Premier League trophy this season, despite their impressive 2-1 victory over his old club Manchester United.
Rooney's Title Verdict
Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, the ex-Birmingham City manager delivered a sobering assessment of Villa's credentials. Rooney stated he does not believe Unai Emery's side are genuine title contenders, placing them a tier below the current top two.
"I don't think they are and that's not me being disrespectful to Aston Villa. I think they're just not as good as Arsenal and Man City," Rooney explained. He praised Villa's excellent campaign but emphasised the immense challenge of winning the league, concluding, "I just don't feel that they're going to be in [it]."
The Pundits' Duel: Rooney vs Dublin
Rooney's co-pundit, former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin, offered a starkly contrasting view. Dublin pointed to the league table, where Villa sit just three points behind leaders Arsenal, as proof they are in the fight.
"Yes, they are. Why wouldn't they be?" Dublin argued. He acknowledged Villa's performance against United wasn't their best, but highlighted the significance of securing a win against a team they often struggle to beat. Dublin also backed manager Unai Emery's proven track record to keep Villa competitive until the season's end.
The Premier League Landscape
The debate follows a pivotal matchday on 22 December 2025. Morgan Rogers' brace secured a crucial three points for Villa at home. Meanwhile, Arsenal remained top with a narrow 1-0 win at Everton, and Manchester City stayed second, one point ahead of Villa, after a commanding victory over West Ham United.
Villa, chasing their first league crown since 1981, have consistently defied expectations under Emery. However, Rooney's comments underline the prevailing scepticism outside the club's fanbase, suggesting they lack the "something special" required to overhaul the established giants of the division.
