You could feel the relief amongst the Aston Villa fans at Kenilworth Road when Lucas Digne scored that late winner.
It was a huge, huge goal in the race for Champions League football and you could see it in Unai Emery’s celebrations after the full-time whistle
With his head down, the Aston Villa boss punched the air, letting out all his frustration, and in truth, expressing relief more than happiness.
Tim Sherwood noticed that and stated that he has ‘never seen’ that type of reaction from Unai Emery, as he told Premier League Productions (02/03/24 at 7:50 pm).
In truth, he has started to do that a few times now when the full-time whistle is blown, as well as when crucial goals are scored.
No man inside Bodymoor Heath works harder than the 52-year-old and it’s all showcasing itself on the Premier League and European stage.
Yes, the team’s inability to kill teams off needs addressing, but it was the manager who decided to bring on Lucas Digne and Moussa Diaby, which worked a treat and won the game against Luton.
Unai Emery’s celebration after Aston Villa beat Luton Town
“See how important that was,” said Sherwood about Emery’s reaction at the full-time.
“I have never seen that from him. We are getting so close and he believes now. He believes there is a Champions League spot.
“For them to get into the Champions League, it would be an unbelievable performance from that manager and that team.”
Dealing with the pressure
Week by week, the pressure on the team is just going to ramp up, especially if we continue to progress in Europe.
But, at the end of the day, if you want to compete with the big boys, then this type of pressure simply has to be welcomed and dealt with.
And, in truth, in the context of the season so far it doesn’t get bigger than what is awaiting us.
Two games against Ajax, with our Champions League rivals Tottenham sandwiched in between. Bring it on!
