Aston Villa boss Unai Emery paid tribute to the fans and his players as we secured a deserved 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.
It was hoped that there would be a positive response after our disappointing defeat to Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League in midweek, and we weren’t disappointed.
Despite the visitors making a strong start and dominating possession in the early stages as they exerted plenty of pressure, Villa remained defensively resilient, disciplined and organised to hold them off.
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As the game developed, Villa gradually began to get a foothold and wrestle some control back as we grew into it and started to offer a threat of our own.
The deadlock was broken in the 19th minute as Matty Cash struck a brilliant effort from the edge of the box, and although we pushed on and had chances of our own thereafter, it was a a dogged defensive display to hold out for all three points.
Unsurprisingly, Emery was pleased with his players and the performance on the pitch, but he was keen to praise the supporters at Villa Park too as they got behind the team and played their part in getting us over the line.
“Very proud of how the supporters transmitted us the energy,” Emery told VillaTV after the game.
“Positive, always helping us, and the players they were feeling, ‘wow’, like our fortress, and like our power to show – after this positive energy – their skills, their wishes, their commitment tactically to do everything we planned.
“And against one team like Manchester City, we needed tactically, their wishes.
“We needed their commitment, their effort, and of course, the supporters how they helped us here, creating this atmosphere, so positive, to help and to be together here as a feeling to defend our fortress strongly like we did.
“Day nine, we achieved 15 points today with those three points. Of course, getting balance.
“We started (the season) so poor, but the most important, how the players are reacting, are progressing, and we are feeling as well strong.
“And through it, we are getting points, and of course, recovering the position in the table, getting balance, but still work to do, of course.
“And, well, try to set some players as well, getting better, and this is the next challenges we will have with the team, with the players, and, of course, with the next challenges playing against Liverpool.”
Villa travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday night in what will be another hugely difficult assignment, but buoyed by a third consecutive win over Man City at home, it’s hoped that we’re able to give another excellent account of ourselves on Merseyside and return home with a positive result.
