Unai Emery effect has revived Aston Villa eyeing Europe

“Now we can add another step of thinking we can be a candidate to be in a European position — but it is going to be difficult because Brighton (& Hove Albion) and Brentford are playing very well,” said Emery, whose side are above Chelsea and Liverpool.

“Chelsea and Liverpool have to be in Europe next year, they will fight for it, but we can have ambition and motivation to try to be a candidate.”

One of the keys to Villa’s rise has been the form of striker Ollie Watkins who on Tuesday became the first Premier League players to score in six consecutive away games since Sergio Aguero for Manchester City between March and August in 2017.

“The striker is very important to me. I spoke with (Watkins) at the beginning about the relationship here,” Emery said.

“I told him that I want the best of you and the way he is doing; practicing, being humble to improve. This is the way.

“For us, Ollie Watkins is very important. He’s not only scoring but his commitment every day trying to add more work, watching his clips. He’s the first defence in our idea, trying to be consistent. He’s working very well with the high pressing.

“He’s trying to fight with the defenders. He’s scoring and he’s adding the best quality as a striker – the goal.”
Villa are at home to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Saturday.