Unai Emery: 'Guardiola and City Are Still the Best'

Unai Emery, the head coach of Aston Villa, expressed pride in his team’s performance following their 2-1 win against Manchester City in the Premier League. Despite the victory, Emery emphasized that City, under Pep Guardiola, remains one of the best teams in the world.

"First and foremost, I want to thank our fans," Emery said in his post-match press conference. "Their presence and unwavering support at Villa Park gave us immense motivation. Our players demonstrated incredible energy and commitment, delivering a tactical performance that exceeded expectations."

Aston Villa moved ahead of Manchester City in the league standings, climbing to 28 points with their eighth win of the season. Meanwhile, City, with 27 points, dropped to sixth place after enduring their latest setback in a challenging campaign.

Emery lauded his players’ dedication, saying, "Every player executed our game plan brilliantly, whether in defense or attack. Their willingness to adhere to our pre-match preparations was exceptional."

When asked about Guardiola and City’s struggles, Emery was quick to defend his compatriot. "Pep is undoubtedly the best," he said. "While City’s current form may surprise some, it’s important to remember that this is football. They will bounce back stronger."