The Spaniard believes there may be nonetheless room for enchancment forward of the second leg
Aston Villa supervisor Unai Emery praised his group’s disciplined strategy after a 1-0 win over Lille within the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
The end result, secured by a second-half header from Ollie Watkins, marked Emery’s a centesimal win in control of Villa and supplied a well timed increase following a troublesome run of home outcomes.
Villa needed to soak up strain for lengthy intervals on the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, notably in the direction of the tip of the primary half. The successful second arrived shortly after the hour mark when Ezri Konsa launched a excessive ball ahead which was flicked on by Emiliano Buendia. Watkins then confirmed composure to loop a header over Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer for his first aim in eight matches.
Talking after the match, Emery mentioned the efficiency mirrored the disciplined mentality he had demanded from his facet.
“We performed very critically,” Emery mentioned.
“We had been at all times organised and we performed attempting to defend strongly, attempting to really feel snug defending as nicely, and attempting to get some transition with the ball and to dominate with the ball – and we did it.
“We respect this competitors as a result of we all know the difficulties of every match in Europe, away, and the way it’s for the English groups, like yesterday within the Champions League, how they had been struggling.”
Villa’s attacking intent
Though Villa didn’t create numerous alternatives, Emery was glad with the standard of the probabilities his group managed to provide.
“We didn’t create a whole lot of probabilities, however some clear probabilities to attain.
“I’m proud of how the gamers responded to the sport plan we did and the way we’re respecting and understanding the difficulties we are able to have, in case we’re not enjoying critically.
“After it, we want their abilities and the capability to do one thing, including for the group individually or collectively, and we should add numbers from the gamers, like as we speak with Watkins.
“We have to add numbers with Morgan (Rogers), with (Jadon) Sancho, with Leon Bailey, with (Emiliano) Buendia, with the midfielders.
“I’m joyful, however we all know within the dressing room that it’s the first leg.
“This end result, 1-0, is nice however we’re going to play one other 90 minutes, respecting them like we did as we speak to play with this end result.”
