Unai Emery has warned Aston Villa that there is little time to dwell on their latest disappointing result, insisting his side must improve quickly ahead of crucial meetings with Barcelona and Manchester United.
Villa have won three and drawn two of their last five Premier League matches, but Emery believes those results do not tell the full story. The Spaniard remains concerned about his team’s underlying statistics and insists their recent run is not enough to meet the club’s expectations.
Although Villa avoided defeat in their latest outing, Emery was unhappy with the result and admitted the opposition deserved their share of the points.
“We still have work to do. The last five (league) matches, we won three matches and we drew two matches. I think it’ not bad but with our poor stats, it is not enough.
“This draw is a disappointing result but a fair result. I think they deserved it as well, this draw.”
The Villa manager also pointed to a noticeable change in the contest after the interval, admitting his players struggled to maintain the level they showed in the opening half.
Emery felt his team had a better grip on proceedings before the break, but the opposition took control after the restart, creating more opportunities and finding the net.
“It was tough for us in the second half, more than the first half.
“Second half, we knew we should try to play in the same way as in the first half, but they dominated more in the second half, they created chances and they scored a goal.
“We created some chances and we could have even won the match, but I think it was a fair result.”
Despite the frustration, Emery believes Villa must quickly shift their attention to the challenges ahead. Their immediate assignment is a Champions League meeting with Barcelona on Tuesday, a fixture that will demand a significant response from his players.
The Spanish giants represent another major test for Villa, who will then turn their attention to a Premier League trip to Manchester United before the international break.
Emery made it clear that his team cannot afford to carry disappointment from one fixture into the next, stressing the importance of maintaining their focus as the schedule intensifies.
“We need to keep going forward and change quick our mind before the next match on Tuesday in the Champions League against Barcelona, and then we are going to prepare the next match before the break which is Manchester United away, so we keep going forward.”
Villa’s recent league form offers some encouragement, but Emery’s comments underline his belief that results alone are not enough. With Barcelona and Manchester United standing between his side and the international break, the manager wants a sharper, more convincing performance as Aston Villa look to build momentum.
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