Aston Villa Set to “Go Even Further” After Securing Champions League Knockout Spot, Says Garry Thompson

Former striker Garry Thompson suggests Aston Villa will aim to “go even further” now that they have virtually secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stages. Unai Emery’s team achieved a 3-2 victory away against RB Leipzig, with Ross Barkley scoring a late, deflected goal. Following this result, Villa currently holds third place in the standings with 13 points from six matches, placing them in a strong position to secure a top-eight finish and direct qualification for the last-16 round. The team is scheduled to play away in Monaco on 21 January, then conclude their league phase campaign at Villa Park against Celtic on 29 January. Speaking on BBC Radio WM following the win, Thompson stated: “You talk about memories, these [players] are making memories for the new Aston Villa fans. This is absolutely fantastic.” He added: “Emery has given them [the players] the ability to believe in what he is trying to do, the system they play and that system allows them to go and win games.” Thompson further commented: “When we got into the Champions League, this was seen as an adventure for Aston Villa fans and we will see how far we go. We didn’t expect to get too far, we didn’t think too much would happen, but you knew you had a manger who doesn’t take defeat kindly.” He continued: “He doesn’t lie down, he wants his team to win and improve and that is what has happened. We are going to be in the play-offs for the knock-out stages and I think before the start of the season most Villa fans would have taken that.” Concluding his thoughts, Thompson stated: “But, now we have gotten to this stage, you want to go even further.”