Unai Emery praised Aston Villa’s defensive organisation, tactical discipline and overall response after his side secured a 3-2 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The result marked Villa’s first league win of the season and provided an important boost following a difficult start to the campaign. Speaking to the media after the match, Emery highlighted the players’ commitment to the game plan and their ability to remain resilient during Tottenham’s strongest spells.
The manager also discussed the performances of Nicolas Jackson, Zion Suzuki, Johan Manzambi and Emiliano Buendía, while explaining how the club’s younger squad continues to develop.
Emery delighted with Villa’s defensive performance
Emery revealed that Aston Villa had prepared carefully for Tottenham and were determined to remain compact without the ball.
The Spanish coach was particularly pleased with the way his players dealt with the hosts’ attacking pressure, insisting that the team showed the resilience required to compete at the highest level.
“We knew before the match what our game plan against Tottenham would be,” Emery explained. “Defensively, we worked fantastically because the players believed in the way we have been working here.”
Villa were forced to remain patient during several difficult periods, but Emery felt that their defensive commitment eventually allowed them to grow into the match and create opportunities of their own.
The manager also stressed that following the tactical plan was essential against a Tottenham side he considers a high-quality opponent.
Nicolas Jackson and Zion Suzuki make a strong impression
Emery was asked whether Zion Suzuki and Nicolas Jackson could eventually play similarly important roles to those previously occupied by Emiliano Martínez and Ollie Watkins.
The manager said both players had been brought to Aston Villa to make an impact, but insisted that they still needed to understand how their individual qualities could best serve the team’s collective structure.
According to Emery, Suzuki continued to demonstrate the qualities he had already shown in previous matches, while Jackson delivered a much-improved performance against Tottenham.
“Today, we took a clear step towards improving,” Emery said.
The manager also praised Jackson’s development, suggesting that the striker had finally begun to show more of the potential Villa saw when they signed him.
Emery explains the importance of Suzuki’s long passing
The Aston Villa boss was also questioned about the team’s increased use of long balls from the goalkeeper this season.
Emery explained that Suzuki’s primary responsibility was to prevent goals, but added that the Japan international had also been recruited because of his ability to contribute to Villa’s build-up play.
The manager believes Suzuki can help the team progress the ball through both short and long distribution, particularly when opponents apply intense pressure or use man-to-man marking.
“He has fantastic qualities to build up as we want, with short and long passes that can threaten the opponent when they press high,” Emery explained.
For Emery, the key is ensuring that Villa can respond quickly when opponents attempt to disrupt their usual structure.
Manzambi still adapting to Emery’s tactical demands
Johan Manzambi scored his first goal for Aston Villa and impressed on his first start for the club.
However, Emery admitted that the young forward is still learning exactly what is expected of him from a tactical perspective.
The manager believes Manzambi’s natural qualities can sometimes go beyond the strict positional instructions of the team. Emery therefore wants the youngster to retain the freedom to express himself, while continuing to operate within the overall structure.
“Sometimes, he needs to feel free to play and explore his qualities, but always within our structure,” Emery said.
The performance against Tottenham represented another important step in Manzambi’s development.
Villa’s young players must be ready immediately
Emery also addressed Aston Villa’s recent recruitment strategy, with the club bringing in several younger players during the summer.
The manager explained that, although these signings are viewed as part of the club’s long-term planning, the players must also contribute immediately because Villa are competing for results every week.
“The future is the present,” Emery stated.
He added that the departure of several players and the arrival of new faces meant the squad had to adapt quickly.
Jackson was one of the players singled out by Emery. The manager suggested that the forward’s performance against Tottenham was the clearest indication so far that he was beginning to understand what Villa required from him.
The striker was able to make a greater impact through his movement and repeated sprints, while Emery was pleased that he managed to maintain his physical level for around 80 minutes.
Buendía’s experience remains valuable
Emery also praised Emiliano Buendía after the Argentine midfielder scored a superb goal in the victory.
The manager described Buendía as a mature, responsible and competitive player who understands the different positions he may be asked to occupy.
His familiarity with the squad and the club’s tactical demands allows him to contribute in several areas, while his ability to score and create opportunities remains an important asset.
Emery believes Buendía still has plenty to offer and can continue to help the team through his technical qualities and experience.
Jackson must be given opportunities near goal
Emery reiterated that Villa need to create situations in which Jackson can operate closer to the opposition goal.
The manager believes the striker has the ability to score regularly, but the team must also build attacking moves that allow him to exploit his strengths.
Jackson enjoyed more opportunities against Tottenham and showed greater understanding of the manager’s expectations.
Emery was particularly impressed by the forward’s movement behind the defensive line, as well as his contribution without the ball.
The coach also highlighted the importance of managing Jackson’s workload carefully, especially with the striker expected to play a significant role throughout the season.
The Aston Villa News BR verdict
Aston Villa’s victory over Tottenham was significant not only because it delivered the club’s first Premier League win of the season, but also because several new players began to show their potential.
Suzuki provided important saves, Manzambi scored his first goal and Jackson delivered his most encouraging performance so far. Buendía’s contribution also demonstrated the value of experience within a changing squad.
There are still areas for Emery to improve, particularly in terms of game management, but the performance offered clear evidence that Villa’s new-look team is beginning to develop greater cohesion.
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