UNAI EMERY celebrated 1,000 matches as a manager and just about had a grand old time.
The Spaniard wore a thin smile of satisfaction at the final whistle as strikes in each half from Ollie Watkins and John McGinn looked to have ensured that his landmark achievement would be remembered with fondness.
However, a late Bafode Diakite header ruined an otherwise satisfactory evening and left this tie against slick opponents very much in the balance.
And while Villa's goalscorers grabbed the glory at one end of the pitch, the hero was at the other as keeper Emi Martinez put on a performance that was worthy of watching dignitary and celebrity Villa fan Prince William.
Denne historien er fra April 12, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
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Denne historien er fra April 12, 2024-utgaven av Daily Mirror UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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'
