‘We’re in our greatest second’

Unai Emery believes Aston Villa are experiencing their “finest second” following a convincing 4-1 victory over fellow Premier League top-five chasers Newcastle on Saturday.

Ollie Watkins scored after 33 seconds to present the hosts the lead at Villa Park and, in doing so, draw degree with Gabriel Agbonlahor because the membership’s all-time report goalscorer within the Premier League.

Watkins then twice struck the woodwork earlier than Fabian Schar levelled for Newcastle, who got here into the sport off the again of a six-game successful run.

However that run was to finish right here as three unanswered second-half objectives from Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, and a Dan Burn personal aim gave Villa an announcement win of their push for one more season of Champions League soccer subsequent time period.

The consequence additionally extends Villa’s spectacular report at residence to 19 aggressive video games with out defeat.

What a win. pic.twitter.com/rAJH9LngvV

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 19, 2025

“We have been centered on this match,” Emery instructed Sky Sports activities.

“I used to be fully proud of how we responded. We are able to’t waste time. We are actually in our greatest second.”

In a post-match interview, Watkins admitted that he was “fuming” after being not noted of the beginning line-up within the 3-2 Champions League win over PSG in midweek, however Emery was filled with reward for his striker.

“He performed incredible. His dedication is all the time excessive and that is the competitiveness we wish,” Emery stated.

That’ll be Oliver George Arthur Watkins to you. pic.twitter.com/424YmmfG7h

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 19, 2025

Villa are subsequent in motion in opposition to one other contender for a top-five end in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester Metropolis.

Emery’s aspect head to the Etihad on Tuesday night earlier than taking up Crystal Palace within the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.

Forward of the midweek journey to Metropolis, the Villa boss stated: “Manchester metropolis they’re performing incredible. they aren’t as constant as earlier than however they’re nonetheless contenders to be within the prime 5.

“Its’ a problem and we’re feeling sturdy and looking out ahead to it. However will probably be very troublesome however that is the problem we wish.”