Emery says Villa “lost a very good opportunity” after Everton defeat

Unai Emery said Aston Villa "lost a very good opportunity" after Everton beat them at Villa Park, denying the side a chance to return to second in the Premier League. Villa are seven points behind leaders Arsenal and level on points with Manchester City, with all three teams dropping points over the weekend; City lost against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and Arsenal were held to a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest.

Thierno Barry's goal secured victory for David Moyes's side at Villa Park. Emery urged perspective, saying: "We are doing a fantastic season. When we played at Everton [in September], we drew and we were worse than now. Of course, today we lost a very good opportunity and we are in front of other teams who are competing to be in the position we are.

We lost the opportunity to be second in the league, something really fantastic. But after feeling our frustration at losing this match, we must try and recover our good, positive way." Villa's afternoon was worsened by injuries: captain John McGinn was forced off after 18 minutes with a knee injury, the squad started without Boubacar Kamara, who Emery has said could have a long-term knee problem, and Amadou Onana was absent with a hamstring issue.

Emery said: "Onana and [Ross] Barkley are coming back in one or two weeks. We have enough players to get the performance we need. Of course we must replace some players who are leaving.

Key Topics

Sports, Aston Villa, Everton, Premier League, Thierno Barry, David Moyes