Unai Emery proud of win over Fulham as Villains dream of European football

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery said he was proud of his side following their 1-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League.

The Villains took the lead through defender Tyrone Mings who steered home a delightful cross from John McGinn – his first goal since 2021.

Fulham were missing Aleksandr Mitrovic who is serving an eight-game ban for pushing the referee during the FA Cup clash with Manchester United.

Villa probed to double their lead, but it did not happen. They held on to their three points and a clean sheet.

They are up to fifth in the Premier League, although they have played more games than the teams around them.

Emery said (via Villa’s official website): “I’m very happy to enjoy the moment with our supporters here at home.

“I remember when we had home matches against Leicester and Arsenal and we conceded four goals in each match. It was a very upsetting moment.

“We came back trying to be strong defensively and we won 1-0 against Crystal Palace, 3-0 Bournemouth, 2-0 Nottingham (Forest), 3-0 Newcastle (United) and today as well, 1-0.

“Five very good victories with clean sheets, it’s really amazing.

“We were trying to achieve our style being consistent, and I think in the first half today we played very well.

“In the second half, we were more brilliant defensively because we didn’t control the game like we did in the first half.

“We were feeling strong in our minds and trying to play each moment like the match was demanding. They were in front of us two months ago and we’ve come back at them.

“For the next matches, trying to keep our opportunity to get a European position, it’s a very good victory today.

“We can be proud of our work – proud of our victory.”

Emery has done a fantastic job upon his return to England from Spain. The former Villarreal manager has taken Villa from 17th to fifth since his appointment.

Villa have scored in all of Emery’s 20 games since he replaced Steven Gerrard in October 2022.

The 51-year-old could guide the club into European competition for the first time in 13 years.

Villa’s last European appearance was a loss to Rapid Vienna in the Europa League play-offs in August 2010.

Unai Emery’s Villa are unbeaten in ten Premier League matches. The result takes them above Tottenham Hotspur and five points behind third-placed Newcastle United.

This game shows the turnaround Villa have undergone under their new manager. Villa lost 3-0 the last time the teams met, leading to Gerrard’s dismissal.

Villa have since won 13 out of 20 Premier League games under Emery.