Aston Villa Seeks Momentum After Europa League Victory

Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, emphasized the importance of building on their recent victory after the team secured a 1-0 home win against Bologna in the Europa League on September 28, 2023. This result marked Villa’s first win of the season, providing much-needed relief following a challenging start that left them in 17th place in the Premier League and eliminated from the League Cup.

The match at Villa Park saw John McGinn score the club’s first home goal of the season, lifting spirits among players and fans alike. With three draws and two defeats in their opening five league matches, Emery called on his squad to leverage this victory into positive momentum as they prepare to face Fulham on Sunday.

Emery Urges Consistency and Continued Progress

Following the win, Emery spoke to reporters about the need for consistency. “We have to try to keep consistent; we had not been consistent until today,” he stated. “Today we won, and it is important we keep that consistency on Sunday. Different match, different rival, but there are many tactical elements we need to continue building on.”

Emery also highlighted the necessity for certain players to adapt and progress within the team’s framework. “This win will help us to continue working and remain positive, but each upcoming match is a new challenge. We must prepare as best as possible and maintain high demands for our players,” he added.

Despite the victory, striker Ollie Watkins remains without a goal in his last ten matches, with a penalty saved by Bologna’s Lukasz Skorupski. Nonetheless, Emery expressed satisfaction with Watkins’s overall performance. “He worked today like someone who is confident, and this is the first step to recovering that confidence,” Emery remarked. “He created chances and had a penalty, but the key is to regain his confidence and execute his tasks effectively.”

Emery’s acknowledgment of Watkins’s efforts suggests a belief that the striker can regain his form and contribute significantly to the team’s success moving forward. As Aston Villa looks to build on this crucial win, the upcoming match against Fulham will be pivotal in determining whether they can start climbing the Premier League table.