Unai Emery admitted that Aston Villa “missed a very good opportunity” by falling to Everton, but called for perspective after his team failed to climb to second place in the Premier League.
The Villans remain seven points behind leaders Arsenal and level with Manchester City, as all three teams dropped points in the title race over the weekend. City lost at Old Trafford against Manchester United, and Arsenal drew goalless at Nottingham Forest.
Emery alluded to the bigger picture following Thierno Barry’s goal, which secured victory for David Moyes at Villa Park. The team faces Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday, aiming to secure a spot in the round of 16 before visiting Newcastle.
“We have had a fantastic season,” Emery insisted. “When we played at Everton in September, we drew and were worse than we are now. Today we lost a great chance to be second in the league, something truly fantastic. But after the frustration of the defeat, we must regain our positive form.”
“Football is about winning, losing, or drawing. When you lose you are sad, like now; when you win you are happy, but we have spent more time happy than sad.”
McGinn Injury and Transfer Market
The disappointing afternoon was compounded by the departure of captain John McGinn after 18 minutes due to a knee injury. Villa were already missing Boubacar Kamara (long-term knee injury) and Amadou Onana (hamstring issue).
Asked if McGinn’s injury would change the approach to the transfer market, Emery replied: “Onana and Ross Barkley return in one or two weeks. We have enough players to perform. Of course, we must replace those who leave. Injuries are not good, but it is football and you have to accept it. It is an opportunity for another player to play.”
