THERE is every chance this won't turn out to be Unai Emery's 'Moscow' moment.
But if this result contributes towards Aston Villa's failure to reach the Champions League, it will be remembered as such.
Fifteen years ago, then manager Martin O'Neill rested several key players for a UEFA Cup trip to CSKA in Russia.
Villa were third, seven points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal. But when they returned and resumed their Premier League duties, a second-half collapse against Stoke City sparked an eight-game streak without a win.
O'Neill's side failed to cement their position in the top four. It was as close as the club has come to breaking into the elite. Fast-forward to last week's trip to the Etihad and Emery rested several players such as Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Leon Bailey. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez was reportedly ill.
Villa were able to put last season's Treble winners under pressure for a long period, prompting 'what if... questions among the fan base after.
But Emery (above) stuck to his guns and remained unrepentant about his choice.
He said: "Last Wednesday was important for the team to allow some players to play and grow with experience.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 08, 2024 من Daily Mirror UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 08, 2024 من Daily Mirror UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
GRACE THE ACE FOR SARINA
International Women's Friendlies GRACE CLINTON took just eight minutes to seal England's victory at Bramall Lane.
Germany in way of Car drive
LEE CARSLEY'S England Under-21 team will face Germany, Czechia and Slovenia as they bid to successfully defend their Euro U21 crown in Slovakia next summer.
Versatile Amad to get new contract
RUBEN AMORIM says Manchester United will hand Amad a new contract after hailing him as one of the players who has impressed him the most.
We've beaten Euro & Prem champs...now for the tough games!
SLOT: AFTER TWO WINS LIKE THIS IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO SHOW UP AGAIN & AGAIN AWAY
CHANGING OF GAARD PUTS SAKA ON PARADE
WHEN Mikel Arteta named his first Arsenal starting XI, he stuck Bukayo Saka at left-back.
AMORGRIM WARNING
After his bright start, United boss says he knows that 'the storm is coming... and we will be found out in some games'
END OF AN ERA, PEP? 'COULD BE'
Guardiola fears City dominance is ending
VANTASTIC
Ruud reian's off to flyer.. thanks to Vardy and VAR
GIANT STEPS
Radlinski says Wigan will continue worldwide quest of tapping into other major sporting organisations following New York trip
Wellington hoot
AS ENGLAND RETURN TO SCENE OF DEFEAT IN ONE OF THE GREAT TESTS... BLACK CAPS HERO WAGNER RELIVES 'BEST FEELING EVER'