Aston Villa boss Unai Emery shared his thoughts on our 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, as we gained a pivotal point in our European push.
Villa took the lead in the first half through Jacob Ramsey’s goal, as we responded well after missing from the penalty spot which could have been a real blow to our confidence.
READ MORE: Villa player ratings vs Liverpool: Trio impress in battling draw for key point
Although we had to dig in defensively for much of the encounter as we came under intense pressure, particularly in the second half, it appeared as though we’d secure a huge win for our European hopes but ultimately we were denied by Roberto Firmino’s late equaliser.
Emery was delighted with the outcome in that we now face a decisive meeting with Brighton next weekend with Europe in our own hands, and he was complimentary of both his players and the supporters as although there will naturally be disappointment over not holding out for the three points, it was still a hard-fought point on the road at Anfield.
“Very proud of our work, of our challenge we had,” he told VillaTV. “We were speaking two months ago, if we can get to the last match against Brighton at home, playing for something important, and now it’s in our hands. Today, this draw is amazing, the first half we played in our game-plan, not only defensively but also offensively. We were playing trying to build up and breaking the high pressure.
“Defensively we were brilliant in the second half, then they scored but I think it’s a very good point. It gave us the possibility to have the last match with our supporters at home enjoying it and being very motivated and excited this week to fight for a European place.
“We had to remember our supporters as well, they are travelling away every match and we are being really competitive. The players keep the demand that I am trying to impose on everybody, to play for a European place this week is a really important step ahead we are doing. We are going to enjoy, but practice, prepare for the match and try to be very focused.
“The challenge we had, we are going to face against Brighton. Minimum we can get is a Europa Conference place and to be in Europe would be fantastic.”
Given where we were earlier in the campaign to now and the impact Emery has had during his time in charge, it’s incredible to even be in with a chance of playing in Europe next season.
We still have a huge challenge ahead of us given how well Brighton have done this season, but ultimately it’s where we want to be in terms of competing against the top sides and getting results and being in these pressurised positions and scenarios in order to prepare ourselves for bigger games in the future.
While we’ll hope for a boost this week with Brighton’s packed schedule which could leave the door open to the Europa League too, we just have to focus on being at our best next Sunday now and get the result we need to secure a Europa Conference League place as the minimum outcome.