Aston Villa recorded back-to-back Premier League victories with a 4-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
Goals from Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and a Douglas Luiz brace were enough for Villa to pick up three vital points.
The victory has cemented the Villans’ position in the top four after Manchester United suffered a damaging home loss to Fulham.
It’s been an excellent weekend for Emery’s side, with Tottenham not in action.
Watkins, in particular, starred once again and received plenty of praise from one Sky Sports pundit.
Ollie Watkins’ eye-catching first-half performance
Talking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Sue Smith was in awe of the 28-year-old’s first-half display in what was an electric start from Emery’s men.
“It’s all Aston Villa! Watkins has been absolutely brilliant,” she said.
“The whole of the first half has just been Villa.”
The striker has led the line brilliantly recently and must be considered among the league’s best.
Elsewhere, Luiz’s performances have to be commended. The 24-year-old has added a goalscoring edge to his game.
The Brazilian’s brace comes after his goal against Manchester United in Villa’s previous home fixture.
After Saturday’s win over Forest, Luiz said: “We train at this every day, the gaffer helps us so much.
“The character of Ollie [Watkins] and Leon [Bailey], it is great to have them in my team.”
“I just think he [Emery] has lifted me; it is the truth. He has told me every day you need to defend, and if you go, you need to score.”
Significant day in the Champions League race
With Spurs not in action and United losing at home, this feels like a significant day in the top-four race.
Champions League football is now firmly in Villa’s hands, and it will be interesting to see how the Spaniard manages his side’s fixture list over the coming months.
The Conference League is a genuine chance for European silverware, which could see squad rotation play a significant part between now and the end of the season.
