“Three points. It was an amazing match, both teams different ways tactically but really hard, really tough. They created chances, we created chances. We were efficient and clinical in the attack. I enjoyed it, but I lost all my energy!

“We were struggling on the right side and tactically it was my correction. I needed to make a decision to correct it. Offensively as well, we weren’t attacking on the right like we were on the left. Cash was a risk on a yellow card, and the solution was Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans, trying to get two players different. One did the passes and the other for the running. They did it.

“Each match is three points, but of course Tottenham were one point ahead of us and they are strong with their fans. It is very difficult. We are getting something in the way we are building. After the work we did on Friday, yesterday, this morning, we were very focused on the match. Analysing, preparing and focusing on each match. The players played in the game plan were prepared and they were successful.

“We can get confidence when we win here against teams like Tottenham. I am the same in my mind and the explanation. We have 38 matches and we have to be consistent and have to try to get each opportunity with three points, getting a good position in the table. We are there now but we are not a contender. There are seven teams more a contender to get the top seven, top four, but when we are there we are going to try and keep it.

“Life is passing very quick! I really want to enjoy each moment. Even when we were losing at Forest in Nottingham, I told the players I was very happy with them and we should accept some defeats. Today we won and I am very happy, but I am trying to keep a balance myself, between my players and the supporters. Only the future is giving us, and we don’t know how it is coming. After this victory we can be happy this week and prepare the match on Thursday. We have the Conference League and then try to focus on Bournemouth on Sunday. It’s a difficult and very different match.

“Commitment. When we need defensively to be together, the commitment when we have to be as well demanding in the mentality to win. We struggle together, enjoy together and try to be always in good connection with our supporters.

“Douglas Luiz is playing very good and he improves a lot. His commitment is amazing. I am very happy with him and I want to keep him, of course. I think he’s happy with us, his commitment with his national team and his performances like today are amazing, fantastic. I want him.

“[Ollie Watkins] every day, every week, every match, he’s doing his work. Sometimes he scores, sometimes not, but always what is our game plan and what is our task defensively, our attacks offensively. And then, his responsibility of course is to get in the box and score goals. He’s doing that as well, like today. Important goals. I’m happy with him for everything but above all because as a person he’s very responsible, mature and clear.

“In football, when someone is coming in and adding tactically different ways, or tactically showing something really successful way. I appreciate it. As well, I usually want to analyse and understand and Ange Posteclogou is doing very good work, amazing here. He did as well at Celtic and in Japan, Australia. I appreciate a lot the coaches when they’re doing something like he’s doing.

“Enjoy the position, enjoy the position. Of course, they are aware of how we are but we will continue being demanding, being as well focused each match. Of course, in 38 matches they’re ares till a lot of things to happen. We have to be happy and enjoy, but we have to be as well demanding to be thinking. Of course, we need to be resting but then thinking about Thursday in Europe, Sunday against Bournemouth. We are going to analyse this match, how much we can continue improving tactically, individually, and how we will do our work every day in Bodymoor.”

Unai Emery, post match.


“I want to do something in football, now the Premier League. I want to share this challenge with the players, I want to share this challenge with the owners, with the club, with the supporters. The history of Aston Villa is big, not last 20 years, but it is big in history. I want to try to write here our proper history.”

Unai Emery.


"First half we deserved to be behind at half time.

"Second half we had to be brave, we had to roll our sleeves up. The two subs who came on, Youri and Leon were absolutely outstanding, brave and so clever. Youri’s pass for Ollie is outstanding and it’s a great goal.

"Second half, I wouldn’t say we were on top but our game plan was to perfection and let’s not get away from how good of a team they are. They are a really tough team to play against. I’m sure as a neutral it was exciting to watch, but from a Villa point of view it was tough, but that makes the result sweeter.

"Both sides have a clear way of playing. We had to be strong in tackles, and we had to play our game. We have a completely contrasting style to Tottenham. They’ve got a bit of a rock and roll style, but we’re a bit more structured. In the second half we kind of brought that to the match and it was just brilliant when that final whistle went.

"Confidence is sky high, but it is my job and everyone’s job in the club to keep a lid on things at the minute. Show a but of humility and respect the league. Of course we are excited, but there’s a big few games coming up in the next weeks, so we will see where we are after that.

"We’ve let the away fans down a few times this season, Liverpool, Newcastle, Forest and the manager won’t let that lie. We analysed the Forest game the other day and went into immense detail.

"The home form is obviously really good, but our away form we had to address. The Villa fans who travelled today will be going back to the pub, the house, wherever, with a big smile on their face.

"I think they’ve got huge belief in us and I’m sure they are really proud of how we are playing. Their support is always there. They are there in their numbers and it’s good to see the proper diehards who have been there with us have a proper smile on their face. Hopefully we can continue it, we don’t want to stop here and you just never know."

John McGinn.


“We didn’t have the best of starts, we were lucky to come in at 1-1.

“That goal right before half-time was a massive boost for us and it was crucial really.

“I don’t think there’s been a game where we haven’t created chances. We have a big belief in ourselves. We had plenty of opportunities to score and we came away with the three points, which is massive for us.

“Our away form has not been as good as we can be.

“I've got quite a good record here at Spurs so it's nice to get another goal.

"It's unbelievable, a great feeling and we're playing great football. But we're not getting carried away. We're not even at Christmas yet and we have some tough matches coming up so we have to keep going."

Ollie Watkins.