Unai Emery reaction: Villa boss cites ‘most important’ aspect of Brighton scalp as number one priority revealed

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was delighted with his side’s first away win of the season and believes discipline was a key trait in beating Brighton.

The Villans have now won back-to-back Premier League games under the Spanish tactician. They followed up a 3-1 home success over Manchester United with a 2-1 triumph against the Seagulls at the Amex. Alexis Mac Allister gave the home side the lead after just 49 seconds.

It would have been easy for Villa to crumble against their in-form opponents. But Danny Ings got his side back on level terms from the penalty spot on 20 minutes.

There were no further goals in the first half but Ings doubled his tally with the winner on 54 minutes.

Emery was understandably pleased with the result. And the former Arsenal chief made special mention of how his players overcame adversity to take all three points.

“Today I am so proud of our supporters, our players,” he told Sky Sports.

“We competed very well today but I think we didn’t play brilliant. But we played how we needed to after they scored so quickly – our reaction was amazing.

“Its very important to win away. But the most important thing is how we compete and be demanding of ourselves and disciplined.”

Emery hails Villa striker

Ings bagged his fourth and fifth Aston Villa goals of 2022-2023 on the south coast. And Emery feels there may be more to come if he gets the right service.

“Today we were speaking about his best position,” he added to BBC Sport. “If he can have players to assist him with good balls he can be between two centre-backs. He played very well today.”

New managers arriving during the season often leads to a ‘bounce’ in performances and results. It seems like the removal of Steven Gerrard and Emery’s arrival has had that effect.

And it appears as though getting all at the club on the same page was the 51-year-old’s first priority.

“We are professional. Being together is the first step I want to do,” Emery continued.

Much work to be done after World Cup break

The unique nature of this season means clubs will now have a significant break as the World Cup gets under way.

Action recommences during the festive period. And Emery hopes to have got his message across even more when his players return to top-flight duty.

“Watching matches in the World Cup and rest a little bit,” he replied when asked what is next on the agenda.

“We’ll have one month to work with the players. We can add more things tactically and build the next step for the next matches we play at the end of December.”

The West Midlanders face a tough return to league action when they host Liverpool on Boxing Day.

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