Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has hailed his side's performance after their impressive 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday. Two well-taken goals from Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers secured the three points for Villa, with Phil Foden’s late strike proving to be a mere consolation for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Emery, speaking after the match, was full of praise for his team’s collective effort and the role of the supporters in helping Villa secure the victory. “We played fantastic,” he said, emphasizing the intensity and energy his players brought to the pitch.

“We have our responsibility to them to try and play with energy, to try to show our capacity, our skills, our intensity,” Emery continued. “Manchester City are a very difficult team, and I think we played fantastic. We played with 11 players – 12 with our supporters.”

The win over City marks another impressive result for Villa under Emery’s guidance, as the team continues to make strides in the Premier League.

A Victory for Teamwork and Support

What stood out most in Emery’s comments was his acknowledgment of the importance of Villa’s supporters. The team’s success wasn’t just down to the players on the pitch, but also to the energy and belief provided by the fans. Emery's recognition of this dynamic shows the strong connection he is building with the Villa faithful.

This win demonstrates the growing resilience and belief within the squad, especially against a formidable opponent like Manchester City. Emery's tactical awareness and ability to galvanize his team were key to ensuring Villa not only competed but triumphed in a game that many would have labeled as a challenging fixture.

The Importance of Mentality and Support

What’s most refreshing about Emery’s approach is the emphasis on energy and intensity. Against top sides like City, having the right mentality is just as crucial as technical ability. Villa’s success wasn’t merely about matching City in terms of skill, but about playing with a hunger and commitment that made them difficult to break down.

Equally important is the role of the supporters in fostering such a mentality. Football, after all, is a community sport, and Villa’s passionate crowd clearly made their presence felt. A 12th-man effect, as Emery put it, can often be the difference between winning and losing.

This victory isn’t just a testament to Villa’s ability to beat the best, but also to the unity between the team and its supporters. As Emery rightly pointed out, it’s a shared responsibility—on the pitch and in the stands—that fuels success.

For Villa, this result is more than just a major scalp; it's a statement of intent. With Emery at the helm and the fans behind them, they look set to make even greater strides in the Premier League this season.