Aston Villa secured their spot in the last four of the Europa Conference League with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Lille, and fans are loving something Unai Emery did after Emi Martinez’s match-winning moment.
Neutrals were treated to a pulsating clash at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy; Villa fans certainly won’t have enjoyed the 120 minutes.
On the balance of play, Emery’s men can probably count themselves lucky to have set up a semi-final clash against Olympiacos.
Lille were by far the dominant force for the first 60 minutes, with goals from Yusuf Yazıcı and Benjamin Andre seemingly sending the Ligue 1 side through to the last four.
However, Matty Cash’s late strike sent the tie into extra time before Martinez produced more penalty heroics.
Aston Villa fans love what Unai Emery did in front of Lille fans
After Martinez saved the crucial spot kick, footage of the Spaniard passionately punching the air in front of the home fans emerged.
Taking to X after the Europa Conference League clash, Aston Villa fans loved what they saw.
Villa fan AVFCCharlie wrote on X: “OH BABY DO YOU KNOW WHAT ITS WORTH. UNAI EMERY IS THE BEST ON EARTH. I love this human.”
Another Villa fan, DanUTFV, wrote: “I love Unai Emery.” The Birmingham Mail’s John Townley also shared footage of the Villa away end singing the Spaniard’s name after Thursday night’s clash.
Manager of the Season award for Aston Villa boss Unai Emery?
The job Emery has done cannot be understated. It’s important to remember he took charge of a side producing next to nothing under Steven Gerrard.
In his recent column for Caughtoffside, Stan Collymore attempted to highlight the significance of the job Emery has done. He said: “This guy followed Steven Gerrard, who presided over one of the most soulless Villa teams of any decade.
“Players who are now flying seemed disconnected from the fans, the manager never opened up and appreciated Villa’s tremendous support, and the club nearly went down for a second time in five years – something the relatively new and very wealthy owners just wouldn’t have.”
Sky Sports commentators have also lauded the Spaniard’s achievements this season. Thursday was indeed a special night for the travelling Villans. It must be cherished, as they don’t come around very often.
The post Aston Villa fans ‘love’ Unai Emery for what he did in front of Lille fans after penalty shootout win appeared first on Aston Villa News.