Aston Villa manager Emery: We were always excited about beating Arsenal

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was hugely proud of his team this weekend.

The Midlands club earned a sensational 2-0 win away to title challengers Arsenal on Sunday.

After the away success, which sees his side back in the frame for a top four finish, Emery told Sky Sports: "Before the match we were very motivated and very excited about the possibility.

"This is a very tough match and we needed to be focusing very well defensively. We wanted to be strong and have high commitment to defense as were in the first half. We tried to do 90 minutes being consistent and wait for our moment to control the game.

"The first half was more difficult but we tried to dominate with the ball. We did that less than in the second half.

"Second half we competed very well. But we are not being consistent in every match like I want. But today we were fantastic."

On pre-game preparations, he added; "We analyse deeply before each match and we played 10 ago at Manchester City and lost 4-1. We were trying to understand a lot of things we did good but we needed one step to do something better.

"Today was an example. Firstly, it was in defence. The defence was strong. We tried to be narrow and avoid line passes then being compact with the players. More or less, that was the first idea we had.

"Then it as about trying to get time with the ball. We did, better in the second half and we imposed ourselves."

Aston Villa manager Emery: We were always excited about beating Arsenal

Aston Villa manager Emery: We were always excited about beating Arsenal

Aston Villa manager Emery: We were always excited about beating Arsenal

Aston Villa manager Emery: We were always excited about beating Arsenal

Aston Villa manager Emery: We were always excited about beating Arsenal