It was an inspired choice, as evidenced by the acclaim Emery received while heading after another tactical master class against the Brugge club: a first mixed half of conservatism that at least assured that Villa protected his 3-1 advantage in the first level sent to another level by part time, replaces Marco Asensio, who scored Twice, and Leon Bailey.
The manager of Villa did not seem happy when he went to the interval, but it was a case of not harming and hastened to put things well.
Emery’s lasting capacity to improve the players was seen again in the continuous rebirth of Marcus Rashford in his Manchester United loan spell.
It was tireless and energetic, which forced Kyriani Sabbe to the foul that saw him expelled after 16 minutes and then placing the second of Asensio, the third of Villa, on a dish after 61 minutes.
Asensio has long been a firm desired by Emery and is demonstrating exactly why, his double takes his account to seven in eight games.
Emery, who knows this stage and its strategies so well, said that Villa established the meeting with PSG without any alarm, the last half hour developed with the ease of a testimony.
He demonstrated his attention to detail, his comfort in this European environment and in Aston Villa.
This is effectively the Onai Emery club, given power on a scale that means that it can control all football aspects. He longed for control and Villa gave it to him.
He has brought 23 Spanish coaches to the headquarters of Villa’s Bodymoor Heath Training, all working within a strict demarcation, while the link with the former ally of Seville, president of football operations, Monchi, is vital.
The PSG will now be subject to the relentless and meticulous video analysis of Emery. He will not leave stone without moving in his attempt to carry Villa’s odyssey even further.
The Premier League season of Villa has been mixed, but they remain in the eighth place, only four points from Chelsea in the fourth place. They also have a quarter of the FA Cup to the Preston North End championship team.
Emery said about returning to Paris: “Playing in the quarterfinals is fantastic. It is very difficult. It will be a great challenge for Aston Villa, for the followers, for the players, the coaches and I. I did not return there since I left, I was not there playing or visiting in Paris.
“Paris St-Germain showed its ability against Liverpool. We will try to identify its weaknesses and prepare as well as possible. It is very important that our club is in the Champions League, playing against the PSG is something to be excited about.”
Once again, Unai Emery is a man in a European mission.
