Unai Emery greeted the “fantastic” goalkeeper and his defense as Aston Villa ran 1-0 winners in a competition that is closely competing against Brentford in the Premier League.
Ollie Watkins scored against his former team shortly after halftime to secure Villa’s victory at the GTch Community Stadium and only their second victory in the last eight games.
Morgan Rogers saw a target hitting for the offside team as a team of Emery-who did not have the first place in the EMI Martinez option-they were decisively to see the tie and get a significant three points.
Three points won 😤 #Breavl pic.twitter.com/hzlmrou1dp
– Aston Villa (@avfcofficial) 8 March 2025
Robin Olsen came to replace Martinez and his performance, as well as that of his back four in front of him, unfolded for praise by Emery.
“We did a fantastic job. The first semester we dominated, we created chances, we played to win,” the villa chief said.
“In the second half we were prompted to defend a low block and we needed the goalkeeper. Fantastic work he did. And the back Four, they did a fantastic job.”
Emery also emphasized the importance of constructing the momentum that enters the second leg of the Champions League 16 round with Club Brugge with Villa leading 3-1.
After that, Emery’s side does not play in the league until April, and the Spaniard insisted that the victory was good for the morale.
“I’m very proud of the players,” Emery said. “We designed 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 way. It was very important to compete today and try to get these three points.”
