I think if I’m Emery, I’m challenging the squad to show they’re Champions League quality tonight. To show that even in adversity, they can come out and be smart, disciplined, and committed. Think of it as an away fixture in the knockout rounds.
The extra ECL matches, plus a league run-in that isn’t easy, and we can all see why it’s a big deal that Villa have managed to get maximum points against Sheffield, Fulham, Forest, and Luton. They simply wouldn’t have gotten all 12 on offer in the past.
Funny thing, was reading Emery’s pre-match, and as I digested, “I don’t remember the last match we played against one team being very demanding against us in duels and man-to-man,” I thought, “Well, how about Newcastle?” Which is who he brought up next.
There are, at most, 13 games standing between us and the dream scenario of finally clinching a Champions League finish. There are also four games standing between Villa and European silverware.
With the FA Cup replay Wednesday, and a chance to put 11 points between them and United on Sunday, Villa picked a good time to rediscover their mojo at Bramall Lane.
