Unai Emery sums up Aston Villa’s 2024 in one word as he outlines goal for rest of season

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Aston Villa brought the curtain down on 2024 with a 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Monday night.

The Villans started the year by reaching a Europa Conference League semi-final and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in their history.

However, they’ve struggled with inconsistency at times this season, which has left them ninth in the Premier League table going into 2025.

Aston Villa trailed to Simon Adingra’s 12th-minute opener but equalised through Ollie Watkins’ 36th-minute penalty.

The hosts then took the lead in the 47th minute through Morgan Rogers but Tariq Lamptey’s 81st-minute goal meant a share of the spoils.

Speaking after the game, Villans boss Unai Emery spoke about how he felt 2024 went for his side, summing things up in one word.

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Unai Emery hails ‘amazing’ 2024 for Aston Villa

Emery, speaking to the Villa media team, described the team’s achievements and efforts this season as “amazing” before outlining his goals for the rest of the season.

“It was amazing, everything we did [in 2024],” he said.

“Of course, we want to be consistent and trying to get more. We’re in the process and in the race to keep a European position again.

“We’re finishing this year very happy with the year we closed in Villa Park with our supporters because we’re enjoying Europe in the Champions League.

“More or less, we’re being consistent. Today we lost two points, but we have to accept it, keep going and try to learn from everything we did today for the next match.”

Emery went on to say: “There are a lot of teams around us and we have to try to be positive. We have to try and end the year feeling strong like we are at home in Villa Park.

“We are in the Champions League this year and we’re enjoying it. We’re trying to get a European position this year.

“Today, we’re a bit disappointed with the result, but I’m very proud of our work, of the players and of the supporters for the whole season.”

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Emery shares Villa injury news ahead of Leicester clash

Emery told Sky Sports about Tyrone Mings: “He will be okay. He was just tired. He has his process of getting minutes and getting confidence. hopefully, we will be okay for Saturday.”

He then said to BBC Sport about Pau Torres: “I think it’s not a big injury but I think he maybe broke his metatarsal, maybe.

“We have players to replace him but he is very important. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will confirm the injury he has.”

Villa are next in Premier League action when they host Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.