Depending on the site in question, Aston Villa can be ranked anywhere in the top 10 and even as high as eighth currently in the Opta Rankings. Regardless of where the club exactly falls, it is clear that this is far from a small club. Yet, most media discussions surrounding Villa often involve acting as if Villa is fortunate to even be in the Premier League.
It is possible that those minds still have Villa in the Championship. The club is well past the days in which they are worried about a relegation battle, however. It is simply dismissive to continue to speak of Villa as a club that isn't among the legitimate threats in the EPL.
The lack of respect was especially clear during the PSR saga. For months, until June 30, each day seemingly had a different player who would inevitably be forced out. The willingness to simply sell off all of the regular starters at a club is something that would not be seen among other clubs in, say, the 'top six,' for instance.
On the contrary, despite everything, Manchester United and Chelsea are linked to seemingly all available players. This contrast, despite Villa actually being in a significantly better place as a club and in terms of the product, shows a separation from the current reality among fans and the media as a whole.
Bold Aston Villa stance is receiving pushback
Part of the reason for this is likely to do with the loudness with which Damian Vidagany and Unai Emery declare that Villa will unseat the system and framework in which the 'big six' operate. A certain level of disdain is perhaps to be expected from such remarks.
Fortunately for Villa supporters, regardless of how others feel about the ability or presence of Villa, the drive and continued push of Emery will make it increasingly that much more difficult for anyone to ignore and dismiss for too much longer.