The Spaniard believes there is still room for improvement ahead of the second leg
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery praised his team’s disciplined approach after a 1-0 win over Lille in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
The result, secured by a second-half header from Ollie Watkins, marked Emery’s 100th win in charge of Villa and provided a timely boost following a difficult run of domestic results.
Villa had to absorb pressure for long periods at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, particularly towards the end of the first half. The winning moment arrived shortly after the hour mark when Ezri Konsa launched a high ball forward which was flicked on by Emiliano Buendia. Watkins then showed composure to loop a header over Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer for his first goal in eight matches.
Speaking after the match, Emery said the performance reflected the disciplined mentality he had demanded from his side.
“We played very seriously,” Emery said.
“We were always organised and we played trying to defend strongly, trying to feel comfortable defending as well, and trying to get some transition with the ball and to dominate with the ball – and we did it.
“We respect this competition because we know the difficulties of each match in Europe, away, and how it is for the English teams, like yesterday in the Champions League, how they were struggling.”
Villa’s attacking intent
Although Villa did not create a large number of opportunities, Emery was satisfied with the quality of the chances his team managed to produce.
“We didn’t create a lot of chances, but some clear chances to score.
“I am happy with how the players responded to the game plan we did and how we are respecting and understanding the difficulties we can have, in case we are not playing seriously.
“After it, we need their skills and the capacity to do something, adding for the team individually or collectively, and we must add numbers from the players, like today with Watkins.
“We need to add numbers with Morgan (Rogers), with (Jadon) Sancho, with Leon Bailey, with (Emiliano) Buendia, with the midfielders.
“I am happy, but we know in the dressing room that it is the first leg.
“This result, 1-0, is good but we are going to play another 90 minutes, respecting them like we did today to play with this result.”
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