Every word Unai Emery said about Newcastle plan, Rogers challenge and his midfield dilemma

Unai Emery Prepares Aston Villa for Crucial Boxing Day Clash with Newcastle United

As the festive season approaches, Aston Villa finds itself gearing up for a pivotal Boxing Day showdown against Newcastle United at St. James' Park. Manager Unai Emery sat down with the press at Bodymoor Heath to share his insights and strategies ahead of the eagerly anticipated 3 PM kick-off.

Aiming for Balance and Focus

Following a spirited 2-1 triumph over Premier League champions Manchester City, Aston Villa is keen to maintain its momentum. This victory marked Villa's return to winning ways after a narrow defeat against Nottingham Forest the previous weekend. Emery emphasized the importance of maintaining balance and focus in the league.

“We are trying to separate each moment, each competition,” Emery explained. “After our win against Manchester City, we are in a good balance within the table. However, there’s still a lot to achieve in the upcoming matches. Right now, our focus is solely on Newcastle.”

Despite Newcastle trailing by two points, Villa recognizes the challenges ahead. “We’re not in the top four yet; we’re currently sixth. Newcastle, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest are all performing exceptionally well, and every match counts.”

Newcastle United: A Formidable Opponent

Addressing whether Newcastle poses a significant threat to Villa's Champions League aspirations, Emery remained pragmatic. “Newcastle is another team that’s doing fantastic this season, much like Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest. They have been excellent in both attack and defense, making them tough opponents.”

Morgan Rogers: Key Player Under Scrutiny

Morgan Rogers has been a focal point for Villa this season, with Emery expressing both satisfaction and high expectations. “Morgan is crucial for us. I am very demanding with him because he brings a lot to the team—goals, assists, and the ability to link our midfield with the defense.”

Emery further elaborated on Rogers’ versatility, highlighting his ability to adapt to various roles on the pitch. “Sometimes he plays as a number 10, other times on the left side, contributing both defensively and offensively. His performance is vital in every match, and while I’m happy with his contributions, I expect even more from him.”

The Premier League's Intensifying Competition

When asked about the competitiveness of the Premier League, Emery shared his longstanding view of the league’s intensity. “It hasn’t changed much since I arrived. The Premier League remains one of the hardest leagues to compete in, with many teams having excellent players, coaches, and rich histories. The quality across the board is very high, making every game a true contest.”

He praised teams like Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for their performances this season. “These teams are earning more points than usual because their players and overall quality are exceptionally high. The league is just incredibly motivating for us, with each match presenting an opportunity to earn points and improve.”

Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s Tactics

Emery didn’t shy away from acknowledging the strengths of Newcastle's manager, Eddie Howe. “Eddie has been fantastic at Newcastle. He transformed Bournemouth into a dynamic, high-intensity team that plays possession football and aggression in attack. Their approach involves a lot of man-to-man duels, making them a challenging side to face.”

He reflected on past encounters with Newcastle, noting their home advantage and passionate supporters. “They’ve beaten us twice last year, and playing at St. James' Park is always tough due to their strong home support. Howe’s teams are successful at home, and they’ve been winning consistently this season.”

Midfield Mastery: Building the Team

Central to Villa’s strategy is the performance and integration of midfielders like Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara. Emery highlighted the ongoing development and adaptation of these players within his system. “Amadou is still adapting, but he’s improving every day. Kamara, who had some injury setbacks last year, is coming back strong and in good form.”

He emphasized the importance of utilizing players based on their strengths and the needs of each match. “Our midfielders, like Youri Tielemans and Ross Barkley, are versatile and can play different roles depending on the game. We aim to create a strong structure that leverages their skills effectively.”

Strategic Adaptations to Opponents

Discussing whether his starting lineup changes based on the opposition, Emery was candid about his philosophy. “I always aim to dominate the game with our structure. However, depending on the opponent’s style and strengths, we can adapt our approach. For Newcastle, I’m preparing about 60-70% for us and the remainder for their strengths.”

He reflected on the previous match against Manchester City, where adjustments were necessary after City dominated the first half. “Against Manchester City, we had to adapt in the second half to impose our style. For Newcastle, I hope we can control more moments, but I acknowledge it will be a tough challenge.”

Consistency and Home Advantage

Emery stressed the importance of consistency, especially in home matches where Villa feels more confident. “We’re feeling stronger at home, but playing away is a different challenge altogether. Consistency in our performances is key, and maintaining our focus match by match is essential.”

Looking Ahead: The Boxing Day Battle

As Villa prepares to travel north, Emery’s strategic insights reflect a team determined to secure a vital win. The clash with Newcastle is not just a test of skill but also of resilience and tactical acumen. With players like Morgan Rogers stepping up and the collective effort of the squad, Villa aims to continue their ascent in the Premier League standings.

“Every match is an opportunity to earn points and improve,” Emery concluded. “We’re sixth now, and our next challenge is Newcastle away. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re ready to give our all and strive for victory.”

Conclusion

Unai Emery’s thoughtful approach underscores Aston Villa’s ambition to climb higher in the Premier League. With a balanced team, strategic adaptability, and a clear focus on each match, Villa is positioning itself as a formidable contender this season. As fans eagerly await the Boxing Day fixture, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating encounter at St. James' Park.