Unai Emery has admitted it has been 'more difficult' to compete with the 'power' of the established order after qualifying for the Champions League - just as Newcastle United found.

Aston Villa followed in Newcastle's footsteps by finishing in the top four last season. To put that achievement into context, in an era where clubs with the highest wage bills traditionally pick up the most points, Leicester City were the only team to previously disrupt the so-called big six between 2006 and 2022.

However, like Newcastle, Aston Villa have found fighting on multiple fronts an understandable challenge. In fact, Aston Villa have only won one of their eight top-flight fixtures after playing in Europe midweek.

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It is worth stressing that Aston Villa are just four points off fourth place, and through to the last 16 of the Champions League, but it is a reminder of the challenge disruptors face. Finishing in the top four is one thing, but Eddie Howe was the first to admit that staying up there 'was not easy in a PSR world' and Emery has echoed the Newcastle boss' words after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat at Wolves.

"It's been more difficult," Emery admitted. "We have to be intelligent as well because we don't have the power some teams have. It's clear. We are not Arsenal, we are not Liverpool, we are not [Manchester] City.

"Of course, to get them and to be competing with them - wow, it's a big effort we have to do. As well, sometimes, we are not getting them."

That task has been made trickier, of course, by PSR restrictions. Aston Villa failed in a bid to increase permitted losses to £135m last summer following a vote by Premier League stakeholders and Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan was among those who 'did not see the sense' in the change.

Aston Villa have managed to sign Donyell Malen on a permanent deal and bring in Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan this month, but Emery's side have balanced these incomings by raising around £92m in sales in the mid-season window. The Villains are also in line for a considerable windfall down the line after reaching the last 16 of the Champions League.