Emery delighted with response against Spurs

FixturesTottenham Hotspur Vs. Aston Villa - Sat, Sep 19 2026, 12:30Unai Emery shared his delight after Aston Villa secured a first Premier League win of the season on Saturday, beating Tottenham Hotspur 3-2. The Villans raced into a three-goal lead thanks to strikes from Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendía, before surviving a late scare at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. And Emery was pleased with how his players received and implemented the gameplan in North London, competing in different ways to clinch the three points.Speaking post-match to VillaTV, the Villa boss said: “We are delighted (with) how the players responded on the field (with) the gameplan we planned, how we were needing (to) get points and in this stadium, in this scenario, against Tottenham away, it’s always being very difficult. “But we competed fantastic. We were defending collectively strong the first half. We needed the ‘keeper, we needed (to) defend a lot of corners defensively and we were resilient. “But as well, when we could get some transitions, we were trying to threaten them as well. Progressively, we were feeling better. “Of course, keeping the result 0-0 was our process to try to develop during the match, and we did it like that. And then, of course, (Nicolas) Jackson, (Johan) Manzambi, Emiliano (Buendía), fantastic goals. “We were as well sometimes trying to stop them and to dominate a little bit. I think we competed fantastic, and we recovered again, more or less, our good mood to try to understand how it’s been, our way, and how we can get better during the process, competing in the level we are, and in the level we are setting, and with the demands we have.” With two of Villa’s goals coming courtesy of summer signings, and over half of their starting 11 consisting of new arrivals, Emery is pleased with how his squad continues to develop.The Spaniard thanked the travelling faithful for their support, before looking ahead to the upcoming international break. “We must adapt the new players, and we need to try to create and to build our structure, feeling comfortable each one, getting confident, and today is really fantastic how we did,” Emery added. “But not today. As well, Wednesday. Wednesday, in Coventry, playing different players. As well, last week, against Nottingham (Forest). We lost, but against Bruges (we won). “I think we are more or less getting confidence, collectively and individually, and trying to adapt our new players in the standard we have, and in the demands we have, and in the mentality we need. “But today, very good, and of course, the supporters as well, passion. I am so, so happy and very proud of how we did the work, but of course, as well because they are with us. “And now, the break. Try to rest, try to come back safe the players they are with their national teams, and the players we are here working a little bit for some places. Important, as well, to play some friendly matches, and then come back again against Brentford in three weeks.” Click below to watch Emery’s full post-match interview via VillaTV now.