One of many issues that makes Unai Emery such an attention-grabbing speaker on the sport is the impression that, behind all of the skilled depth his job requires, he’s actually on this for a similar factor as you and me: for the thrills.
“The ambiance was FAN-TAS-TIC,” he mentioned expressively within the press room final night time, as his ideas and feelings tumbled out.
It had been an particularly vivid event, even by the requirements of the previous yr or two. Fittingly, given Emery’s urgings to his gamers and Villa’s supporters to benefit from each second of this Champions League marketing campaign, their place was in query even after their recreation ended, extending the drama.
No one wished to hurry off anyway.
It was virtually an excessive amount of. To verify he would at all times bear in mind, Morgan Rogers – nonetheless a Championship participant a yr in the past – cradled the match ball and his man-of-the-match trophy in a single arm, whereas taking a selfie in entrance of the man-of-the-match signal. The {photograph} will likely be his souvenir of a yr of remarkable progress.
The grand event was bookended by reminders of the colder realities of contemporary soccer. Some across the floor had been put out earlier than kick-off by studies of provide for Ollie Watkins – not that the Gunners made it given Watkins’ apparent means, however extra that it ought to turn out to be recognized simply earlier than such a big recreation.
Watkins didn’t play as if distracted. Sure, he may need scored far a couple of, however his all-round centre-forward play was important. Perhaps Emery’s feedback on Arsenal’s curiosity left open the likelihood that he may transfer, however actually he was solely acknowledging that for each participant, there’s finally a deal too good to reject. However it must be a really huge quantity.
He appeared resigned although, to Jhon Duran shifting to Saudi Arabia: “The gamers have the target, the ambition. Typically they’re impassioned. If he’s leaving, it’s as a result of he prefers to do one other manner in his profession.”
The reported numbers in all probability make it good enterprise for Villa, though Emery appeared to seek out the participant’s motivation onerous to compute: “I informed you, I need him right here. However what does he need?”
Emery didn’t speculate. However you may think about Villa followers pondering of the delirious celebrations within the Holte Finish and questioning: “Jhon, do not you need THAT?”
Wolves v Aston Villa – stay commentary on BBC Radio WM (95.6FM/DAB/Freeview 714), Saturday 17:30 GMT
