Unai Emery hails ‘perfect’ outcome as Aston Villa win Conference League group
Following their victory, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery thought his significantly improved team had delivered a flawless night.
With a 1-1 draw away to Zrinjski Mostar, they took first position in their Europa Conference League group and advanced to the round of sixteen.
Eight changes were made by Emery from the victory over Arsenal on Saturday, including the debut of goalkeeper Filip Marschall and the first start of Jacob Ramsey in five months.
Just after the hour, Villa took the lead thanks to Nicolo Zaniolo, a midfielder on loan from Galatasaray.
Although Matija Malekinusic fired a spectacular equaliser for the hosts in the closing stages, the result was enough to see Villa finish top of Group E ahead of Legia Warsaw.
Villa now avoid two play-off matches and so progress straight into the knockout stages.
“We are happy because our objective was to be first in the group, with this draw we are,” Emery said.
“We tried to play with some players who are not playing regularly in the season because of injuries like Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno, and with Leander Dendoncker, Filip Marschall and Tommi O’Reilly as well.
It’s critical that they get self-assurance and minutes. The outcome and draw tonight were ideal, and it was ideal to give some of the players opportunities.
According to statements from Emery on the Aston Villa website, “We wanted to win, but we achieved our primary goal of finishing first in the group.
“We want to have fun in this competition because it’s crucial to recall how we got to be in Europe last year and how we’re attempting to win a trophy this time around.
“Some of our supporters were present today, and we want to share it with them. It is crucial that they spend time together and relish this in Europe.
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