The narrow 3:2 win against Burnley saw Aston Villa close out the year. Extremely important for Unai Emery after two games without a win. While the coach was particularly pleased with the manner, the entire team was delighted with a club record
The year 2023 got off to the earliest possible start for Aston Villa, but at least it was a positive one with a 2-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur on January 1. Unai Emery’s team also won their last game before the turn of the year, albeit by the narrowest of margins against penultimate-placed Burnley with a 3:2 penalty from Douglas Luiz in the 89th minute.
The importance of the victory was evident not only in the exuberant celebrations, but also in the face of the coach. The 52-year-old Spaniard, who has been in charge of the Villans since November 2022, looked relieved, especially as his team had recently gone winless twice in a row in the league for the first time this season. “After the last two games, in which we played very well here against Sheffield Wednesday but didn’t get three points, and after the good first half in Manchester, where we lost in the end, it was very important to win today,” said Emery.
The fact that his team surrendered two leads, scored by ex-Leverkusen players Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby (the second even in overtime), was a gift. “We’re happy today because it was important that we reacted the way we did with our fans here at Villa Park after two games that we didn’t win. “
Club record for Emery’s team
The reward? A belated Christmas present, as the late success means Villa will finish the soccer year in the top three of the table. The victory also meant a club record. For the first time, Aston Villa won 32 games in a calendar year across all competitions.
As a coach, Emery was naturally more pleased with the manner of the success: “We played the way I want to play and I’m happy.” However, the Spaniard was not 100 percent satisfied: “We conceded two goals and one or two more chances so easily. “
“There are a lot of games for the players – too many “
The fact that his side have such a long list of wins this year is partly down to their own ability, of course, but also partly down to the number of games. The Villans are still in the FA Cup, as well as the Conference League, for which they first had to qualify in the play-offs. At least they are in the last 16 of the European Cup and do not have to go through the knockout play-offs. Villa, on the other hand, were eliminated from the League Cup at the end of September against Everton.
Emery doesn’t think much of more competitions and even more games anyway: “There are a lot of games for the players – too many.” The coach sees the “danger of them (the players, editor’s note) getting injured”. Many teams already have injured players, perhaps even more than normal.
A short break at the turn of the year comes in handy, as Villa don’t have to play again until Saturday. Then they face second division Middlesbrough in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Plenty of time for Emery to “enjoy the new year” and “rest up a bit.”
