Unai Emery addressed the media at the Gtech Community Stadium following Aston Villa’s 1-0 victory over Brentford in the Premier League.
Ollie Watkins scored the decisive goal in the 49th minute, while Robin Olsen kept a clean sheet in his first league start of the season, stepping in for the absent Emi Martinez. Here’s everything Emery had to say in his post-match press conference:
“I think we were well-prepared for this game. We wanted to maintain balance in the league, knowing we won’t play another Premier League match for 25 days. We have the Champions League on Wednesday, then an international break, the FA Cup, and then Brighton.
“Today was about building confidence and belief in our style. This match was crucial. We spoke in meetings about how to compete, to go for every challenge, and to be adaptable. Brentford pressed us for 90 minutes.
“We controlled the first half, created chances, had corners, and limited their opportunities. In the second half, we scored, had another goal ruled out by VAR, and then Brentford started pushing forward more.
“We needed to be solid in defense. It became a game about positioning and commitment. The back four and Olsen did an outstanding job. Keeping a clean sheet gave us confidence and belief as we fight for a European spot.”
On Robin Olsen’s performance:
“Yes, he was fantastic. He’s always ready, always willing to help. He’s highly valued in the dressing room, and the players were happy for him. Being the backup to Emi Martinez, the world’s best goalkeeper, isn’t easy, but he remains professional.
“Last time, against Palace, Martinez was unavailable in the second half, and we conceded three goals. Today was important for Olsen’s confidence and the team’s. He stepped up, got the clean sheet, and helped us secure a vital win.”
On Martinez and Olsen’s issues:
“Yesterday, they weren’t feeling 100%. They had some muscle pain—not serious—but after testing them, we decided not to take any risks. Hopefully, they’ll be ready for Wednesday.”
On Disasi’s adaptation:
“He’s adjusting well. When I spoke to him before signing, I explained the roles—playing as a center-back, sometimes in a back four or three, building up on the right.
“He played that role at previous clubs and took on the challenge here. Against Liverpool, he did well as a center-back. At Palace and Brugge, as a right-back, he improved progressively. Today, he took another step forward, playing with more confidence.”
On Ollie Watkins:
“Ollie always works hard and takes responsibility. Scoring is great, but even when he doesn’t, he contributes. He had another good chance today, but his attitude is always excellent. He played as we needed, scored, and we won.
“The environment didn’t affect him. He stayed focused, did his job, and performed well.”
On the penalty decision:
“For me, no. Clearly not. Not a penalty.”
On the importance of the win with key European clashes ahead:
“Yes, this win was crucial. Brentford were ahead of us in the table, and beating them is significant. Two years ago, we fought with them for a European spot and secured it on the final day against Brighton. Last season too. This year, many teams are performing well.
“We need to be extremely demanding for the rest of the season. Winning today boosts confidence ahead of Brugge on Wednesday.
“After that, we’ll have more rest than other teams, but we’ll use that time like a mini pre-season. We’re hungry for the final two and a half months. We lost some ground this season, and now we must recover, especially in the Premier League.”
