Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has admitted that he has been left impressed with how his side are adapting to life in Europe having recorded an emphatic 3-0 victory over Young Boys on Tuesday night.
Ever since achieving a fourth-placed finish in last season's Premier League, Villa fans have been anticipating their first appearance at European's top table for more than four decade.
On the artificial pitch at the Wankdorf Stadium, there appeared a genuine threat that Villa would fail to adapt to the conditions after they were overrun by their hosts during the opening quarter.
However, first-half goals from Youri Tielemans and Jacob Ramsey eased any lingering nerves, with the visitors only being denied a third by a debatable handball decision.
Having kept Young Boys at bay, Villa finally ended the game as a contest through Amadou Onana's 30-yard strike in the closing stages to confirm the perfect start to the competition.
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What did Emery have to say?
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Emery was quick to pay tribute to Gary Shaw, the club legend and European Cup winner who sadly passed away on Monday morning after a fall.
When commenting on the victory itself, he added that the experiences of last season's Europa Conference League - when Villa were not always impressive on their travels - had stood them in good stead.
The Spaniard said: "This victory is for Gary Shaw. We [continued in] the Champions League the way they finished 42 years ago. We want to dedicate this victory to Gary Shaw and his family.
"It was difficult. Our experiences last year show that. We focused very well for 90 minutes to be consistent. We were adapting on the pitch. We always respected them.
"We have to create a new way. What we created in the Conference League last season was fantastic."
Ollie Watkins with ice on his ankle after being taken off for Aston Villa tonight 🤕 pic.twitter.com/XLczAOre90
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 17, 2024
Emery gives Watkins update
Ollie Watkins only lasted an hour, seemingly due to injury after he was later seen with ice wrapped around his ankle and Achilles.
Nevertheless, Emery has insisted that the England international 'is ok', indicating he could be fit for Saturday's West Midlands derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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