Unai Emery believes Aston Villa are experiencing their “finest second” following a convincing 4-1 victory over fellow Premier League top-five chasers Newcastle on Saturday.
Ollie Watkins scored after 33 seconds to present the hosts the lead at Villa Park and, in doing so, draw degree with Gabriel Agbonlahor because the membership’s all-time file goalscorer within the Premier League.
Watkins then twice struck the woodwork earlier than Fabian Schar levelled for Newcastle, who got here into the sport off the again of a six-game successful run.
However that run was to finish right here as three unanswered second-half objectives from Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, and a Dan Burn personal objective gave Villa a press release win of their push for one more season of Champions League soccer subsequent time period.
The consequence additionally extends Villa’s spectacular file at residence to 19 aggressive video games with out defeat.
What a win. pic.twitter.com/rAJH9LngvV
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 19, 2025
“We have been centered on this match,” Emery informed Sky Sports activities.
“I used to be utterly proud of how we responded. We will’t waste time. We at the moment are in our greatest second.”
In a post-match interview, Watkins admitted that he was “fuming” after being omitted of the beginning line-up within the 3-2 Champions League win over PSG in midweek, however Emery was stuffed with reward for his striker.
“He performed implausible. His dedication is all the time excessive and that is the competitiveness we wish,” Emery mentioned.
That’ll be Oliver George Arthur Watkins to you. pic.twitter.com/424YmmfG7h
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 19, 2025
Villa are subsequent in motion in opposition to one other contender for a top-five end in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester Metropolis.
Emery’s facet head to the Etihad on Tuesday night earlier than taking over Crystal Palace within the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.
Forward of the midweek journey to Metropolis, the Villa boss mentioned: “Manchester metropolis they’re performing implausible. they don’t seem to be as constant as earlier than however they’re nonetheless contenders to be within the high 5.
“Its’ a problem and we’re feeling sturdy and searching ahead to it. However it is going to be very tough however that is the problem we wish.”
