Aston Villa manager Unai Emery shared his thoughts with the media following his team’s goalless draw against Manchester United at Villa Park. The result has placed Villa in fifth position with 14 points as they head into the October international break. Emery commented on various aspects of the match and the team’s performance.
Emery acknowledged that the result was fair for both teams, highlighting that Manchester United controlled the game better in the first half. He mentioned that Villa made corrections in the second half and created opportunities to score. Emery emphasized the importance of accepting the draw and praised the team’s performance in challenging European matches.
Regarding Ezri Konsa’s injury, Emery expressed uncertainty about its severity but hoped it was minor. He mentioned the return of injured players like Ramsey, Onana, and McGinn in the coming weeks, along with the availability of Kamara and Tyrone Mings for selection. Emery also noted Buendia’s improving fitness as a positive development for the team.
Emery addressed concerns about injuries, stating that while there have been some small injuries, the team is managing them effectively. He emphasized the importance of reducing risks and having players ready to step in when needed. Emery highlighted the significance of keeping two clean sheets against strong opponents like Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
On Jaden Philogene’s performance, Emery praised the player’s defensive and offensive contributions, highlighting his versatility on the field. He mentioned Leon Bailey’s gradual return to full fitness and explained the tactical substitution during the match.
When asked about Marcus Rashford not receiving a second yellow card, Emery stated that he did not witness the incident and always respects the decisions of the referees.
Overall, Emery expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and competitiveness, stressing the importance of consistency and improvement. He commended the players for their efforts and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the team. Emery’s insights provided valuable perspective on Villa’s performance and future prospects in the league.
