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 provide the hosts the lead at Villa Park and, in doing so, draw stage with Gabriel Agbonlahor because the membership’s all-time report 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 targets from Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, and a Dan Burn personal objective gave Villa a press release win of their push for an additional season of Champions League soccer subsequent time period.
The end result additionally extends Villa’s spectacular report at house to 19 aggressive video games with out defeat.
What a win. pic.twitter.com/rAJH9LngvV
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 19, 2025
“We have been targeted on this match,” Emery instructed Sky Sports activities.
“I used to be utterly proud of how we responded. We are able to’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 overlooked of the beginning line-up within the 3-2 Champions League win over PSG in midweek, however Emery was filled with reward for his striker.
“He performed unbelievable. His dedication is all the time excessive and that is the competitiveness we would like,” Emery stated.
That’ll be Oliver George Arthur Watkins to you. pic.twitter.com/424YmmfG7h
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 19, 2025
Villa are subsequent in motion towards 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 up Crystal Palace within the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.
Forward of the midweek journey to Metropolis, the Villa boss stated: “Manchester metropolis they’re performing unbelievable. they aren’t as constant as earlier than however they’re nonetheless contenders to be within the prime 5.
“Its’ a problem and we’re feeling sturdy and searching ahead to it. However it will likely be very tough however that is the problem we would like.”
