Unai Emeryis eager to rebuild the “fortress” of Villa Parkto push Aston Villa closer to their targets after earning another win in front of the home fans against Burnley before the international break.
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‘We are so, so grateful’
A late Lesley Ugochukwu goal would not spoil another victory for Villa in front of their fans. Donyell Malen got his first goals of the campaign, and a first brace for the team, wrapping up the three points to put a smile on the face of the head coach when he spoke to the media at full time.
“I’m so happy. We were sad the last [international] break we had. We were focused on carrying on and working on some things we needed to improve.”
The additions of Jadon Sancho, Harvey Elliott, and Victor Lindelof on deadline day deepened the squad in defence and the three positions behind the striker in Emery’s 4-2-3-1 system. The Spaniard spoke positively about the impact of these players on the management of the squad in the last month.
“We needed to add in the squad players we signed in the last moment [of the transfer window], and the players reacted fantastic. They responded on the field and in the training session, demanding a lot and being so, so demanding in the necessary tactical work individually. They did it.”
The team are four for four in terms of wins over 11 days of action, taking three of those triumphs at Villa Park against Fulham, Burnley, and Bologna. The best phases of the Emery era have involved a robust record at the stadium, and the coach would like to see another unbeaten run build over time.
“The results, through it, are coming. We drew matches and we were a little bit upset, but sometimes to draw is the same step forward to get better matches and more points. When we’re in Villa Park, we can feel strong, comfortable, building here our fortress with their energy, and then playing football.”
He again thanked the fans for their contributions to the cause throughout the difficult moments.
“We played Bologna, we played Fulham and we played today, and the response of the supporters – we are so, so grateful for how they are helping us and being motivated and excited for the season.”
