"Very happy - how we responded and prepared the match we were very focussed and we were very demanding on how we were planning to play this game. We responded very well. How we are building the team with different players, trying to manage playing Europe and the Premier League. A huge effort physically today and mentally. After the match we played on Thursday, managing some players and trying to get the best out of them this is important to build the team and understand how we want to build the team for the rest of the season.

"How we managed each moment, build up, second balls, the players were so focussed. Everything we needed to respond. We were fantastic and defensively, we struggled in the second half a little but reacted. We scored another two goals and so happy and proud of how we are building here with our supporters to feel strong.

"Very important how every player is trying to add their qualities. Emi [Martinez] did a fantastic save early on and for the penalty."

"I am very happy with the win. We are recovering from a bad start to the season.

"The effort physically was a huge effort and to manage the squad with different players with the effort we needed we can feel proud after the game.

"This is the level of the players. We are trying to set our standards in everything, every day how we prepare the game and the quality of the players is important. Fantastic goal and Emi has this quality to score set piece goals. How the players got the commitment before the match to focus and in the way we played is really something. This is how we are building and trying to recover, feeling better in the league and Europa League to get the performances we need for the future.

"Now our balance is better in the squad with the players, more focus and getting the challenges we have. The players are responding well on the field.

"Very important how we finished today, winning and feeling good.

:I am so happy, after the poor start, how we are getting better. We sent the message inside to increase our demands and consistency every day. Every day working, every day. Focusing intensely in each match.

“We had a fantastic month against the opponents we played. We are in good balance. After we focus, we are going to rest. Happy, getting balance. In bad moments, I tried to keep my own balance through work and through believing.

We wanted to improve and build the team up. In the last month, and before the last break, we achieved good points at Everton and Sunderland. We confirmed this again this month, playing at a higher level against Tottenham, Man City, Liverpool and Bournemouth. I am so happy.

“After the match on Thursday, we tried to use different players. We needed energy, and we needed fresh legs. Through different players, we needed to be consistent.

“Today we played one match really respecting them, trying to show at home our energy, our commitment to play, and respond to the demands of the opponents.

“It is very important how the players are aware of how we want to do it. And then the supporters, at Villa Park, they are very important for us, and the energy we can hear and feel.

“The players feel strong because they know the supporters are helping and creating the energy. We then need to play. This is the hard work we do each match. We need to get duels and challenges, and as well be brave when we need to build up under the high press.

“Even after we made a mistake last week at Liverpool, the players must be focusing on how we build the team, in the process we are in now.”

**Unai Emery, post-match.**