Unai Emery believes Aston Villa are experiencing their “best moment” following a convincing 4-1 victory over fellow Premier League top-five chasers Newcastle on Saturday.
Ollie Watkins scored after 33 seconds to give the hosts the lead at Villa Park and, in doing so, draw level with Gabriel Agbonlahor as the club’s all-time record goalscorer in the Premier League.
Watkins then twice struck the woodwork before Fabian Schar levelled for Newcastle, who came into the game off the back of a six-game winning run.
But that run was to end here as three unanswered second-half goals from Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, and a Dan Burn own goal gave Villa a statement win in their push for another season of Champions League football next term.
The result also extends Villa’s impressive record at home to 19 competitive games without defeat.
What a win. pic.twitter.com/rAJH9LngvV
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 19, 2025
“We were focused in this match,” Emery told Sky Sports.
“I was completely happy with how we responded. We can’t waste time. We are now in our best moment.”
In a post-match interview, Watkins admitted that he was “fuming” after being left out of the starting line-up in the 3-2 Champions League win over PSG in midweek, but Emery was full of praise for his striker.
“He played fantastic. His commitment is always high and this is the competitiveness we want,” Emery said.
That’ll be Oliver George Arthur Watkins to you. pic.twitter.com/424YmmfG7h
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 19, 2025
Villa are next in action against another contender for a top-five finish in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Emery’s side head to the Etihad on Tuesday evening before taking on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.
Ahead of the midweek trip to City, the Villa boss said: “Manchester city they are performing fantastic. they are not as consistent as before but they are still contenders to be in the top five.
“Its’ a challenge and we are feeling strong and looking forward to it. But it will be very difficult but this is the challenge we want.”
