Sometimes, one feels that there are certain professionals whose work is undervalued and who need to do more than the rest to get the same recognition. I think there is no greater example in our country than Unai Emery.
Coach with more Europa Leagues in history (four titles, one final with Arsenal and another semi-final with Valencia), architect of one of the best modern Paris Saint-Germain (without Mbappé or Neymar), semi-finalist of the Champions League with Villarreal (even putting Liverpool on the ropes) or first Arsenal coach after Wenger’s 22 years at the helm of the club (ranking 5th the first season with a team much inferior to the current one).
The Hondarribia native had been stigmatised internationally for the 6-1 defeat to FC Barcelona and for his classic “good evening” at press conferences in London. He wasn’t given another chance at a big European club and it seemed that outside Spain, where he is more valued for all his domestic successes, he didn’t enjoy the same prestige as other coaches with a much shorter track record.
The opportunity arose to sign alongside Monchi at a historic English giants who are trying to re-establish themselves in the big six and Unai wasn’t going to miss it. His Aston Villa is currently one of the best teams in Europe and, although it isn’t the main objective and may seem a pipe dream, they are in 3rd position in the Premier League, only four points behind the leader and above Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle in the table.
Since their arrival at Villa Park, it looked like a match made in heaven. A legendary team, in the background and without the pressure of a top team, willing to spend money to make a great sporting project and establish themselves among the greatest. It was Unai Emery’s project. And boy, is it being so.
‘The Villans’ have been the best home side in the competition for months, having overtaken Manchester City, and have now won 14 consecutive home games. Their last home defeat in the Premier League? 18 February, 2-4 to Arsenal, who return to Villa Park this weekend.
But Unai Emery’s side fear no-one. Just ask Pep Guardiola. The Sampedor manager was his greatest nemesis, and Unai Emery had never beaten Guardiola since his early days in the top flight with Almería. His record was summed up in nine defeats and four draws, but the 14th occasion would change everything.
Aston Villa’s pressure dismantled Manchester City throughout the game. A packed midfield with four players: Douglas Luiz, Kamara, Tielemans and a magical McGinn, a brave defence with Diego Carlos and Pau Torres playing deep, a Dibu Martínez who popped up for Manchester City’s only chance and a forward line where Bailey complements Watkins and brought the fans to ecstasy with a goal after 75 minutes of relentless work.
Such was the superiority of Unai’s side that it was a historic match for Pep: in his 535 games as manager, a team of his had never conceded so many shots at half-time (13), at the end of the game (22), or had they been so blocked in attack and taken so few shots in attack (two).
Moreover, since he has been at Manchester City, it is the first time his team hasn’t had a corner kick. A real masterclass that explains why Aston Villa are so high up the table.
After a difficult period at Arsenal, even reaching the final of the Europa League, it seems that Unai Emery Etxegoien is beginning to be properly appreciated in the islands.
His team’s ceiling? Only he knows, but nobody should be complacent against them.
Translated by Marcos Rodríguez.
Main image: @AVFCOfficial.
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