Unai Emery welcomed his “fantastic” goalkeeper and defense while Aston Villa ran 1-0 winners in a narrow fight against Brentford in the Premier League.
Ollie Watkins achieved the achievement of her former team shortly after halftime to secure Villa to win at Gtech Community Stadium and only their victory in the Second League in the last eight games.
Morgan Rogers saw a goal starting to offset, while Emery’s Tim-Koji defended Emire Martinez-Oddludically without a goalkeeper of the first choice to see a tie and pick up three points.
Three earned points 😤 #Breaavl pic.twitter.com/hzlmrou1dp
– Aston Villa (@Avfcofficial) March 8, 2025
Robin Olsen came in to replace Martinez, and his appearance, as well as his back four in front of him, was set aside for praise from Emery.
“We did a fantastic job. The first half in which we dominated, we created a chance, we played wanting to win,” said Villa chief.
“In the second half, they pushed us to defend ourselves in a low block, and we needed a goalkeeper. The fantastic job did. And the back four, they did a fantastic job.”
Emery also emphasized the importance of construction of momentum by entering the second-in-way of his 16th Champions League of 16 equalization against Club Brugge, and Villa led 3-1.
After that, Emery’s side does not play in the league by April, and the Spaniard insisted that the victory was good for morality.
“I’m very proud of the players,” Emery said. “We planned this match as a key because we won’t play in the Premier League 25 days, more or less.
“Try to feel more comfortable, more confident, to believe in our way, it was very important to compete today and try to get those three points.”
