‘Victory is fantastic’ – Emery

Unai Emery lauded a “very fantastic” win for his Aston Villa side on the road at Newcastle United on Saturday evening.

Johan Manzambi’s first-half header handed Emery his 100th victory in the Premier League, as the Villans extended their unbeaten streak to five matches on Tyneside.

The Villa boss was pleased with his side’s commitment as they continue to adapt to a new era, backed by the club’s supporters who made the long trip to the North East.

Emery said: “We focused this match strong in our meetings before the game. This morning, just before the match as well, we were, everybody, aware about how important this match was.

“After our poor start, we have to try to keep balance in the table. We drew last week, of course, we accepted it against Brentford.

“We were not winning at home, we won on Wednesday in Champions League, very good victory, but again, in Premier League as a priority for the season, this competition, because through it we must achieve our objectives.

“I think today, the victory is really very fantastic. How we competed, how the players (won) duels, how the players as well (showed) their commitment, everybody, with the players (bringing) impact as well, they did fantastic.

“So, very happy. Grateful for our supporters as well, because they were with us here, enjoying the new time we are trying to build the team with some new players, as well with our demands.”

With the Magpies applying pressure as the game ticked into its closing stages, Villa needed to remain solid defensively to keep hold of a second clean sheet in four days.

Emery praised his team’s organisation and Zion Suzuki’s performance, as they now look ahead to more Champions League action in midweek.

He added: “We defended fantastic in the first half, the second half. We scored one goal, we had some transitions as well to score the second goal, the first half, the second half.

“We needed, as well, Zion. Zion, he did a fantastic save, he did as well a lot of going to catch the ball when they were crossing. I think he did a fantastic job.

“More or less, we needed it, and we planned it. Set-pieces as well, we were defending fantastic. I think the players really, today, they did a fantastic job and we must feel proud of it, but as well understanding the matches are coming again – next week Viking, then on Saturday, Manchester City, then Carabao Cup.

“Of course, every competition, we must try to take those competitions, focusing strongly to try to build the team and to get our objectives.”

Watch Emery’s full post-match interview now via VillaTV, by clicking below…