Unai Emery Reflects on Aston Villa’s Match and Top Eight Ambition

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, speaking to TNT Sports, expressed his satisfaction with securing a point from the recent match. He described the game as highly competitive, noting that his team had dominated in their pursuit of three points. “I am very happy because we won a point. We played a very competitive match. We were dominating the match to try to get three points.” Emery then addressed a specific incident, stating that the “last action” was subject to the referee’s interpretation. He highlighted a perceived difference in officiating, suggesting that such an action might not typically be considered a foul in England due to its soft contact, but could be deemed one in Europe. “The last action is clear. It’s the interpretation of the referee. We know in England, it’s 80% not a foul, but in Europe, maybe not. For me it was harsh. In England, I know it’s not a foul usually, because it was a very soft contact. But in Europe, it could be foul.” He acknowledged that the referee initially appeared to signal a goal, but ultimately, the team had to accept the official’s decision. “I think the referee, in the beginning, he was giving it as goal. We have to accept his decision.” Regarding the single point earned, Emery reflected on the team’s serious approach and their efforts to avoid mistakes made in previous matches. He believed Aston Villa played better and were more deserving of a victory than their opponents. “We played a serious match. We played trying to avoid the mistakes we made from the last matches. We were playing better and I think we more or less deserved to win the match than them.” Commenting on Juventus’ performance, Emery stated that his team had analyzed their play, recognizing them as a competitive side currently in a team-building phase, having suffered only one defeat. “We analysed their play, they are building a team and are in the process. They are very competitive and very difficult to beat. They’ve only lost one match.” Emery concluded by noting that Aston Villa also aimed to impose their game, dominating Juventus and creating several scoring opportunities. He mentioned a key save by Emiliano Martinez in the second half for Juventus, describing the match as very tight for both sides. Despite this, he expressed happiness with the overall result of three wins, one draw, and one defeat, affirming that the team still has the potential to secure a spot in the top eight. “But we wanted to play too. We were dominating them. We were getting into their box better and we had chances to score. They had the chance in the second half with that Emiliano Martinez save. I think it was very tight match for both teams. But I’m happy with the overall result. Three wins, one draw and one defeat is very good. We still have the possibility to get into the top eight.”