Unai Emery praised her “fantastic” goalkeeper and his defense when Aston Villa missed winners 1-0 during a closely combated competition against Brentford in the Premier League.
Ollie Watkins scored against her former team shortly after half-time to ensure villa victory at the Gtech community stadium and only his second championship victory in the last eight games.
Morgan Rogers saw a goal for offside while Emery’s team – which was aimlessly at the first choice Emi Martinez – resolutely defended to see the link and collect three important points.
Three points won 😤 #Beavl pic.twitter.com/hzlmrou1dp
– Aston Villa (@AvfCofficial) March 8, 2025
Robin Olsen came to replace Martinez and his performance, as well as that of the four rear in front of him, was distinguished for the praise of Emery.
“We did a fantastic job. The first half that we dominated, we created chances, we played the wish to win, “said the boss of the villa.
“In the second half, they pushed us to defend in a low block, and we needed the goalkeeper. Fantastic work he did. And the four rear too, they did a fantastic job. »»
Emery also underlined the importance of creating a momentum in the second row of its Champions League of 16 on a tie against the Brugge club with Villa leading 3-1.
After that, Emery’s team did not play in the league before April and the Spaniard insisted that the victory was good for morale.
“I am very proud of the players,” said Emery. “We have planned this match as a key because we are not going to play in the Premier League for 25 days, more or less.
“To try to feel more comfortable, confident, to believe in our own way, it was very important to compete today and to try to get these three points.”
