“If we can play here against Brighton [on the final day of the season] with the opportunity of getting into Europe, it is my dream.”

Unai Emery.


“We needed this win today. The atmosphere was electric and we made a fast start in both halves. We were unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet.

“The boss is spot on nine times out of 10. He said the danger would be their counter-attacks with their pace and I think we dealt with that well today.

“When [Unai Emery] came in, we just clicked. As the weeks have gone on, we’ve got stronger. Everyone has built into his ideas. We need to continue this form.

“I don’t know. This league is so tough. A few weeks ago we were in pole position to get a [European] spot then we lost a few games. If we do it, it will be a really successful season.”

Jacob Ramsey.


“We connected with them and they connected with us. When we are winning 2-0 we were thinking of scoring another goal. The result is a very good result. It’s still very difficult to get a European position but we can be excited and motivated.

“The first half was very good. We controlled the game very well and tried to get into the attacking third. We got chances. We scored one goal and had another three or four chances to score. They didn’t really get out into our box. We were getting tired in the second half. We played a very good second half, not like the first, but very good. That’s what we want to create and build here with the club.

“We are taking some risks but the players are feeling comfortable. I want to achieve the excellence we need defensively. It’s not always keeping it. We will work to try to be it. Now the team is doing very well. We have to be very focused to try to improve and be close to excellence.

“It will still be very difficult. Today was very important to keep the chance as much as we can to get it. It is not in our hands. But we are finishing today with the same points as Tottenham. We will try to be motivated to play as much with that possibility of being there.”

Unai Emery.


“We want to play in the Europa League. It’s a goal so that’s important today.

“The atmosphere is crazy. I’m so happy to be here and play in Villa Park.

“It is a dream. We are training hard every day for this objective. We will try to keep this position.

“We believe in [Unai Emery] and we’re so happy with him

Douglas Luiz.


”We can be happy and excited about our position. We have to play Liverpool away and here against Brighton, and we will try and and get a chance to play in Europe.

“Overall, I am so, so proud of the work and connection here with our supporters. We’ve played here the last six matches and won.

“But we have to be very demanding and the first half we played very well. The second half we were maybe a little bit tired.

“For me, it wasn’t a penalty because I think the goalkeeper touched the ball.”

Unai Emery.


I think we played at a high level, the first half better than the second. We kept our identity in the ball possession. We created chances and we have to work thinking that is the way we want to build here with the team. To be consistent and focused in 90 minutes is not easy. We were playing against a good team, a team ahead of us in the table. They played a little bit better but, in the end, we deserved to win. That is the way we want to create, to connect with the supporters and get their energy. This is the sixth game we win in a row here. It’s now important to keep motivated because it gives us opportunities to get to Europe.

“It’s very important, the supporters. They are travelling away every match, 3,000, 4,000 supporters. And here at home there are 42,000 supporters behind us trying to give us energy. We have the responsibility to give them one idea, one style… emotions and then try to win.

“When we were playing some matches not very well and not controlling like we are now, the supporters were supporting us. When we lost against Arsenal and Leicester, the supporters were there. When we are winning, they are more excited.

“First, it’s to try and be competitive and to adapt quickly in the idea and the style we want to create to build here. Then it’s how we face each opponent. At the beginning we were very good away from home. It was amazing. The last two matches we lost, we drew in Brentford and we’re still being less competitive away and have taken less points than before.

“At home is completely different. We started with a little bit of doubt. After beating Manchester United we lost to Liverpool, drew against Wolves, we lost against Leicester and Arsenal but after those matches, I really changed something in my mind first then tried to change with the players. It wasn’t the way I wanted to do.

“The last six games have been completely different. Today as well: keep being different. The first half, I was very, very happy. The second half was very difficult to keep the performance. My objective in the next match is to be consistent for 90 minutes more. The players are showing their high commitment. We’re connecting with our supporters. We will keep trying to get in each step ahead.

“When I arrived here no, clearly. It was a process. I told the players it was not the objective this year to go to Europe. But if we can have chances to go there we will try to get it. If we don’t, OK, it’s not a failure. It’s a process. Our success is being progressively going up and our demands are very high. We need to improve every day

“Now, our challenge is coming again next week against Liverpool away because away we’re not as competitive as we were before. We are going to work strongly this week trying to get the opportunity to get a European position.

“Leon Bailey played 45 minutes against Wolves. He’s been injured and today he played very well. He assisted to Jacob for the first goal. I think he’s a very committed now to help us again. We needed him and we’ll need him now.

“I believe in them. We have to create a small family inside being demanding. We need to improve every day and practice a lot. Then we need to build a strong mentality, to win, trying to take here our life focusing on football.

“John McGinn had a massive game. He’s very good every day, his commitment, he’s smiling every day and works every day with a really good spirit. Then his qualities adding in different positions is always being good for the team. He’s very competitive in every position and now playing as a No.8, he’s playing very well. I changed his position and he did it.

“When I analysed him before I came here I watched him, qualities, to add in my idea here with him. Progressively, the first match he started on the bench against Manchester United but he showed me his commitment, his capacity and he’s a very important player for us.”

Unai Emery.