Emery Plays Down Villa Hopes After Everton Hand Them Home Defeat
Aston Villa’s push at the top end of the Premier League stalled on Saturday as Everton claimed a narrow 1-0 win at Villa Park, prompting Unai Emery to deliver a post-match assessment that quickly became the main talking point.
The decisive moment arrived just before the hour mark when Thierno Barry struck to give David Moyes’ side a hard-earned victory, ending Villa’s strong home run and denying them the chance to climb into second place.
Everton had threatened from the opening seconds, with Merlin Rohl hitting the post inside 11 seconds and Jake O’Brien later seeing a goal ruled out for offside after a VAR check. Villa responded with spells of pressure but lacked sharpness in the final third and ultimately failed to turn possession into goals.
The defeat leaves Emery’s side level with Manchester City and still seven points behind leaders Arsenal, while remaining eight points clear of fifth-placed Manchester United. Champions League qualification remains firmly within reach despite the setback.
Villa Park was lively early on, but Everton’s intensity disrupted the hosts’ rhythm. With Ollie Watkins the only senior striker available, Villa relied heavily on midfield buildup rather than penetration, while Everton grew in confidence as the match progressed.
Barry’s goal followed sustained pressure, punishing a moment of defensive hesitation and rewarding Everton’s disciplined approach. Villa pushed for an equaliser but were repeatedly frustrated by a well-organised back line and decisive goalkeeping.
The second half saw Villa increase their tempo, yet clear chances remained scarce. Emery introduced fresh legs in search of momentum, though Everton’s structure limited space and slowed the game whenever pressure mounted.
Late on, Villa threw bodies forward, creating tension in the closing stages, but Everton held firm to become the first team since August to win at Villa Park.
Attention soon shifted to Emery’s post-match interview, where the Villa manager downplayed his side’s ambitions, stating they were not contenders for a top-five finish before abruptly ending the exchange. The moment drew a reaction from Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, who described it as one of the strangest interviews he had witnessed.
Emery later struck a calmer tone in his press conference, acknowledging frustration but emphasising the progress Villa have made across the season. With a Europa League trip to Fenerbahce followed by a demanding visit to Newcastle, Villa now face a defining period that will test both squad depth and their ability to respond to disappointment.
"We are still not contenders to be in the top five" 😳
Unai Emery was not happy after Aston Villa's defeat to Everton… pic.twitter.com/fqKBzNZNDp
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 18, 2026