Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is prioritizing a top-four Premier League finish over a potential Europa Conference League trophy. The Spanish coach has been a revelation at the club since he joined back in the fall of 2022. While Villa sat 16th in the English top-flight table at the time, Emery eventually guided the team to seventh in the standings. As a result, the West Midlands qualified for European competition for the first time since 2011.



As good as his freshman season was, Emery currently has Villa inside the top four of the standings. The Birmingham-based team is seven points clear of fifth-placed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham Hotspur</a>. However, the north London side does have two extra games in hand compared to Emery’s club.



Not only is Villa fighting for a potential place in next season’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a>, but they have also advanced to the Europa Conference League semifinals. The English team is set to face Greek powerhouse Olympiacos in the first leg of the matchup on Thursday.



<h2>Unai Emery emphasizes importance of Champions League spot</h2>



Ahead of the big game, Emery was asked about which was more important to the club. The Spaniard initially claimed the club was in a position to succeed in both competitions. However, the coach then asserted that the Premier League was the clear priority for his team.



“We are very excited for the Conference League and very motivated with the Premier League,” <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68935956" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> Emery. “It’s not changing my first message when we started the season – the most important thing is the Premier League, then we can add the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Conference League.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240502_WST_504687_Unai-Emery-Conference-League-1200x670_45417522.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-504745" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Unai-Emery-Conference-League-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Unai-Emery-Conference-League-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Unai-Emery-Conference-League-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/05/Unai-Emery-Conference-League.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



“If we get to the end of the season being a contender, of course, the importance is changing a little bit. The first priority is the Premier League but we’re trying to do the best in both.”



<h2>Big European clubs crave Champions League nights</h2>



The argument over securing a top-four in the Premier League versus winning a trophy has been debated for years. Some fans and pundits will point out that Villa has not collected silverware since 1996. As a result, the club should prefer a triumph in the Europa Conference League. 



Nevertheless, Emery is correct in his survey of his club’s current situation. Qualifying for the Champions League, particularly for a team such as Villa, provides clubs with significant money. Team brass can then flex their financial muscles even further in the upcoming summer transfer window.



Not only will grabbing a top-four place give Villa a massive monetary boost, but they will also take part in the top European tournament next season. The Villans have not played a Champions League match since 1983. Potentially winning the Conference League, while providing a trophy, will only put Villa in the second-tiered <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a> for the 2024/25 campaign.



Although Emery may be prioritizing the Premier League, it is also still possible that Villa can triumph in both competitions. The best-case scenario for the club is to win the Conference League and finish fourth in the domestic table. 



Emery’s squad can book a place in next season’s Champions League as early as this weekend. In this scenario, Spurs would have to lose to both Chelsea and Liverpool this week, while Villa needs to top Brighton on Sunday.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Emery correct to prioritize Villa's top four chase over ECL run

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has proclaimed that he is prioritizing a top-four Premier League finish over a Europa Conference League trophy.

Aston Villa has announced that Unai Emery has agreed to a new contract extension. The Spanish manager’s previous deal, which was his original agreement, was not set to expire until the summer of 2026. Nevertheless, the coach will now remain in place for an additional year.



Emery has been a resounding success since initially joining <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/aston-villa-tv-schedule/">Villa</a> in November of 2022. The club previously sat 17th in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> table at the time of his arrival to the West Midlands side. The new coach, however, quickly made a massive impact on the squad and the team moved up the standings. Villa eventually finished seventh, qualifying for a European competition, in the 2022/23 season.



“We are enjoying our way together with Villa fans, the club owners, management, and this great group of players that we are proud of,” Emery <a href="https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/april/23/unai-emery-agrees-contract-extension/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> after making the new deal official.



“Me and the football management… we share the vision of the owners. Nassef [Sawiris] and Wes [Edens] are very supportive and respectful, and we have a good environment and the right structure to develop this football club.”



<h2>Spanish coach has not fared well with massive clubs </h2>



Emery’s decision to re-sign with Villa comes at a time when he was being linked with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> job. Thomas Tuchel, despite qualifying for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> semifinals, is set to depart the Bavarian side at the end of the current campaign. Bayern was previously interested in targeting either Xabi Alonso or Julian Nagelsmann. The two highly-rated managers, however, opted to resist the chance to join the German giants.



As a result, Emery quickly became a possible plan C for the previous Bundesliga champions. The Spaniard’s success with Villa is certainly impressive and put Bayern on notice. Nevertheless, he seemingly made a great and courageous decision to remain with his current club.



Emery has found more success in his career with teams not at the top of their respective tables. For instance, he has been a smash hit at clubs such as <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/sevilla-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Sevilla</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/villarreal-tv-schedule/">Villarreal</a> and Aston Villa. The coach even collected major silverware from the two Spanish sides. He now has Villa in the top four of the English top flight, a feat not accomplished by the club since 1983. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240423_WST_502966_Emery-Villa-training-1200x670_797f3d57.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-502989" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Emery-Villa-training-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Emery-Villa-training-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Emery-Villa-training-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/04/Emery-Villa-training.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



However, Emery has stumbled a bit with massive teams. He previously lifted the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule/">Ligue 1</a> title with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">Paris Saint-Germain</a> in 2018, but the French side regularly wins the division. PSG sacked the Spaniard for failures in the Champions League. 



He then followed Arsene Wenger at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> after departing PSG. While succeeding a legendary coach is certainly not easy, Emery buckled under the pressure and only lasted 18 months without a trophy in north London.



<h2>Unai Emery contract extension at Villa could build status in the club’s history</h2>



A club such as Villa is perfect for Emery. He is not under the microscope to win league titles at the helm. Still, the team is big enough to make significant signings and qualify for European competitions. Just nabbing a Champions League spot would be a massive success for Emery at Villa.



The new agreement could also prove to be crucial in holding on to star striker Ollie Watkins. The English forward has <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ollie-watkins-vying-for-premier-league-player-of-the-season-award/">arguably</a> been the Premier League’s top player of the year and will certainly garner attention in the upcoming transfer market. Nevertheless, Emery will want to keep the star at the club for the 2024/25 campaign.



The Spanish coach could eventually become a legend with the team if he can also lead them to a trophy. Villa has not collected silverware since 1996. However, they now find themselves in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/conference-league-tv-schedule/">Europa Conference League</a> semifinals under Emery. The club will next face Olympiacos in the competition in early May.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Emery signs contract extension with perfect fit Aston Villa

Unai Emery made the courageous call to sign a contract extension with Aston Villa, rather than potentially jumping ship for a bigger club.

Xabi Alonso’s success with Bayer Leverkusen and the potential to deliver the German club its <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/xabi-alonso-can-make-history-by-breaking-bayerns-hegemony-20231212-WST-476707.html">first Bundesliga title</a>. Aston Villa finding new levels of success under Unai Emery and challenging for the top four in the Premier League. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/how-to-watch-real-sociedad-on-us-tv/">Real Sociedad</a> winning its <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a> group to set up a tie with PSG in the round of 16. Even <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal’s</a> continued development and prosperity under Mikel Arteta. Each of these things has one common theme, and it comes from the Basque region of Spain, which has become a hotbed for managerial success and progress in Europe. 



Real Sociedad has worked to develop talents in the Basque area that have gone on to great heights across Europe. Now, the product of that development is on full display. The two coaches massively exceeding expectations at their respective clubs come from similar upbringings, Xabi Alonso and Unai Emery. Both began their playing careers in the Real Sociedad system. Now, they have taken their career starts across Europe, where their clubs are the beneficiaries. 



Unai Emery never broke into the Real Sociedad first team as a player. Yet, comments during his managerial stint in Sevilla indicate that what makes Real Sociedad stand out is the culture of the area. The area leaves a lasting impression on those who come from it.



“I have a txuri-urdin [Euskera for blue and white] feeling, I spent ten years at La Real, I follow it from afar but very closely, because a little piece of my heart will always be txuri-urdin, and I know what La Real means to Guipuzcoa,” Emery said <a href="https://cadenaser.com/emisora/2015/06/29/radio_san_sebastian/1435587584_888506.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in 2015</a>.



<h2>Explaining why Real Sociedad produces great coaching minds</h2>



Having a feeling of connection only goes so far tactically on the pitch. Unai Emery and Xabi Alonso are only two of the coaches who came from the upbringing in the Real Sociedad youth system. Current Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil and Julen Lopetegui laid their roots with Real Sociedad. 



One thing each of these managers have in common is diligence. Every small part of a squad or even a player has a major role in the entire machine’s success. Akin to managers like Pep Guardiola, Xabi Alonso and Unai Emery are regularly seen coaching their players after the final whistle. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240213_WST_489221_Arteta-Emery-1200x670_ca753ca3.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-489308" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Arteta-Emery-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Arteta-Emery-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Arteta-Emery-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Arteta-Emery.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Tactically, Basque soccer is possession-based, as success often is in Spanish soccer. Real Sociedad regularly ranks toward the top in average possession among <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> teams. 



<a href="https://www.cityam.com/why-football-managers-are-rivalling-food-as-the-basque-countrys-top-export/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reports</a> connect that to <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12931056/mikel-arteta-andoni-iraola-and-xabi-alonso-shaped-by-amateur-youth-club-antiguoko-in-prolific-basque-country" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antiguoko</a>. This is a strictly youth team in San Sebastian, the home city of Real Sociedad. Over the years, it has become a proving ground for top youth players. Antiguoko developed Xabi Alonso, Mikel Arteta, Andoni Iraola and other players who went on to play for Real Sociedad, Athletic Club or other teams in Europe. Significantly, each of those three players is overseeing a club that touts possession. Even Bournemouth, which cannot compete against top clubs’ funding, has around 45% possession of each game.



“I started my playing career there, but also my coaching career,” Iraola said to Sky Sports. “They are doing very good things. It’s amazing that they are even known. They are a really, really small club from San Sebastian. But, among academies, they are a big club.”



Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen and Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have strong possession figures, and that comes from their upbringing as young players in the Basque country. 



<h2>Real Sociedad also benefitting in Europe despite graduates elsewhere</h2>



Oftentimes, clubs that part ways with managers are left wanting. However, Real Sociedad’s frequency in producing talent has left no issue. As stated, Imanol Alguacil is also a product of the Real Sociedad youth system. What he has been able to do with the San Sebastian side is remarkable. 



Alguacil took over a Real Sociedad side that hovered in the middle of the table in 2018/19. Consistent improvement led to LaLiga finishes of ninth, then seventh, then fifth, then sixth. Finally, last season, Real Sociedad finished in the top four to return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2013/14. That season, Real Sociedad picked up one point in a group with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a>, Bayer Leverkusen and Shakhtar Donetsk. 



This year, Sociedad won its Champions League group, advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in 20 years. Three wins and three draws in a group with Inter Milan, Benfica and Red Bull Salzburg is a strong return. The reward for finishing at the top of the group is a meeting with PSG. Kylian Mbappe will play at the Anoeta Stadium, and Real Sociedad’s ability will make it a contender to advance. That is a credit to Alguacil and the Real Sociedad he has developed, but also to the Basque region as a whole and what it has produced.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Real Sociedad and Basque brilliance ushering success in Europe

Real Sociedad has worked to develop the talents in the Basque area that have gone on to great heights across Europe.

destacadas

Aston Villa grabbed a massive 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon. Playing in front of their home fans, Tottenham were by far the better of the two sides as they raced off the blocks from the whistle. Just minutes into the game, Dejan Kulusevski struck the post before Giovani Lo Celso gave Spurs the lead with a thumping strike in the 22nd minute. Son Heng-min then had a goal disallowed for offside before Pau Torres scored right on the stroke of half time with a brilliant header to restore parity.



The hosts then found themselves behind when Ollie Watkins scored with a neat finish in the 61st minute before Son was denies twice by the offside flag. Pedro Porro hit the post late on as Emiliano Martinez made a string of superb saves to give Unai Emery’s side a famous win.



The result will come as a massive blow for Tottenham as this was their third successive defeat and the will now face reigning Champions Manchester City next week. Villa, meanwhile, will look to build on this victory as they travel to Bournemouth for their next assignment



<h2>As it happened</h2>



For live updates of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> hosting Aston Villa, stay on this page. After each key moment of the game, this page updates with the latest information for Sunday morning’s contest. It should be a dandy, as well. Tottenham may have dropped its two games entering the international break. However, it poses a major test for an Aston Villa side that occupies fifth in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/epl-commentators-on-nbc-nov-25-to-27-20231124-WST-472069.html">Premier League</a> table.


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<td width="70%">Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa</td>
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With such a strong start from Unai Emery’s side, this is a surprisingly enticing game. Tottenham was leading the league table before its back-to-back <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/spurs-vs-chelsea-live-epl-stream-updates-and-latest-score-20231106-WST-467642.html">losses against Chelsea</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/wolves-vs-spurs-live-tottenham-battles-injuries-at-molineux-20231110-WST-468877.html">Wolverhampton Wanderers</a>. At the same time as Tottenham’s success, Villa has been thriving. In the side’s last eight games, it has one draw and one loss to go along with six wins. That helped the club climb the table. Still, a trip to North London presents a major challenge.



<h2>Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa: Follow along for live updates</h2>



Unfortunately for Spurs fans, this is not a Tottenham side at its best. Injuries have been killer to a side that was a fantastic watch for neutrals. James Maddison and Micky van de Ven picked up injuries in the loss against Chelsea. Richarlison underwent a small surgery that is ruling him out, and a number of other Spurs stars are out. For example, Ivan Perisic is out for likely the entire season.



Aston Villa will not care, though. Instead, a weakened Spurs side presents an opportunity for Emery to pick up points against a key rival. Aston Villa only trails Tottenham by one point. A win would not only jump Tottenham in the table, but it would close the gap with the league leaders. One of, if not both, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> will drop points this weekend when they play one another.



PHOTO: IMAGO

The Team news are in

Tottenham: Vicario, Porro, Davies, Royal, Udogie, Bentancur, Lo Celso, Gil, Kulusevski, Johnson
Aston Villa: Martinez, Digne, Torres, Carlos, Konsa, Mcginn, Luiz, Kamara, Cash, Diaby, Watkins
&nbsp;

This will be a great watch

It's 4th vs 5th as Spurs host Villa in what promises to be a cracker of an encounter.&nbsp;

And we are underway

3' Huge chance for Spurs

First Udogie is through on goal but can't find the target from Porro's ball. Digne then gives the ball away and Kulusevski hits the post. What a start that would have been for the hosts.

5' How haven't Villa scored

Pau Torres gets a free header on goal but his effort goes just wide.

7' Martinez makes a good stop

Wonderful interplay from Spurs as Gil's shot is well saved by Martinez.&nbsp;
Both teams have started well

13' Spurs come close yet again

The offside flag spares Son's blushes as he can't tap home from close range. However, Brenan Johnson had strayed offside in the buildup from Porro's pass.&nbsp;
This has been a great watch so far

15' Offside yet again

Kulusevski just strays offside from Bentancur's through ball. He was through one-on-one but Martinez saved it.

16' Yet another chance for Spurs

Porro is through on goal but can't square it off for Johnson. he should have taken the shot himself.&nbsp;

20' Son with a glorious opportunity

Gil floats in a beautiful cross from the left wing but Son can't get his head onto it to direct home.&nbsp;

22' Spurs 1-0 Aston Villa

What a hit from Lo Celso. An absolute thunderbolt from the left-footed midfielder past his national teammate Emiliano Martinez. It took a deflection off Luiz but that was a peach.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If you're not watching Spurs vs Aston Villa, stop what you're doing. Turbo-charged soccer with end-to-end action. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TOTAVL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TOTAVL</a><a href="https://t.co/DwF9s0NRnE">pic.twitter.com/DwF9s0NRnE</a>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1728783266688250344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

24' VAR rules Villa goal offside

And in a matter of seconds, Watkins heads home from Digne's brilliant cross from the left wing. But VAR takes a long time to check and chalks it off for offside.&nbsp;

32' Hojberg replaces Bentancur

That's a nasty challenge from Cash on Bentancur and the midfielder hobbles off to be replaced by Hojberg

35' Kulusevski comes close

The winger gets it on his favorite left foot and he cuts in to curl it just wide.

38' Kamara goes into the book

Lo Celso is easily past Kamara and is brought down by the Villa player with a needless challenge. Earns a yellow.

41' McGinn gets a yellow

The Villa midfielder goes into the book after holding Hojberg's leg

43' Spurs goal ruled out for offside

Son finishes off a brilliant move but the South Korean had strayed offside during the buildup. Villa survive

45' There will be six minutes of added time

Porro is receiving treatment after going down from Kamara's challenge. The Villa player, however, had made contact with the ball first.

45+5' Spurs survive

Porro gives it away just outside the box but Villa can't take advantage. That's a mighty let off for the hosts.&nbsp;

45+7' Spurs 1-1 Aston Villa

Pau Torres scores the equalizer with a wonderful header from Luiz's corner. And we are level. The former Villareal defender atones for his previous mistake. VAR confirms and the goal stands.

Half Time: Spurs 1-1 Aston Villa

What a game. Villa have clawed their way back despite being outplayed by Spurs. We will have a cracking second half.&nbsp;

46' Second half underway

52' Villa go close

The substitute Leon Bailey takes a shot on goal and Vicario pushes it to the post and then gathers it. That was close.&nbsp;

54' Spurs almost go ahead

Lo Celso cushions it for Kulusevski who plays a one-two with Son and squares it off for Brennan but the latter can't slide it home. Brilliant from the home side.&nbsp;

59' Son's goal disallowed

Johnson squares it for Son who taps home but for the second time this afternoon, the South Korean is denies by the offside flag

61' Spurs 1-2 Aston Villa

It's a brilliant finish from Watkins as he puts his side ahead. Unai Emery would be delighted.&nbsp;

68' Spurs come close

How was Ben Davies not scored. The defender fails to hit the target with his header from barely a yard out. What a chance.

70' Vicario denies Digne

The Spurs keeper is at full stretch as he denies Lucas Digne from a direct freekick.Watkins almost scores from the resulting corner.&nbsp;

74' Spurs make a switch

Skipp comes on for Gil. Martinez makes two great saves to preserve his side's lead.&nbsp;

80' Can Villa hold on

We are into the last ten minutes. Vicario keeps his side in the game before Watkins heads wide. The Villa striker is shown the yellow for trying to delay the proceedings

85' Son's goal is disallowed again for offside

After Porro hits the post, Son follows up to tap in but once again he is deemed offside.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Veliz comes on for the brilliant Lo Celso

90' There will be six minutes of stoppage time

Villa make a triple switch as they look to see out the game.&nbsp;

Full Time: Spurs 1-2 Aston Villa

Villa grab a huge win as Spurs lose their third consecutive game

Aston Villa come back from behind to beat Spurs

Use this page to get every live update you need when Tottenham hosts Aston Villa in matchday 13 in Premier League.

The argument that Liverpool’s match against Tottenham should be replayed has been dismissed by Aston Villa boss Unai Emery.



VAR <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/tottenham-go-second-after-last-gasp-win-over-nine-man-liverpool-20230930-WST-459539.html">incorrectly disallowed Luis Diaz’s opening goal</a> in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a>‘s loss to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham</a> last Saturday. 



VAR should have given the goal even though the on-field assistant called offside. The PGMOL labeled the incident as a ‘significant human error,’ but a failure in communication was the root cause. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/premier-league-releases-audio-of-liverpool-var-mistake-20231003-WST-459980.html">Audio recordings shed light</a> on talks that took place both before and after the event.



<h2>Klopp called for replay of match, Emery critical</h2>



Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon to provide his side of the story in light of the recent controversy. He said that hearing what went on over the weekend had not changed his mind.



Klopp said that the unusual occurrence was the reason Spurs were able to pull off the victory. In the German’s view, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/klopp-calls-for-liverpool-vs-tottenham-replay-after-var-blunder-20231004-WST-460222.html">this necessitates a rematch</a>.



<h5>Unai Emery criticizes Liverpool and Klopp</h5>



Manager of Premier League rival Aston Villa Unai Emery opposed the suggestion of a replay.



“Before when we didn’t have VAR, there were a lot of mistakes – more than now. Now I can accept some mistakes in VAR. They are only a few small mistakes. Of course, for Liverpool, it was a big mistake in the last match against Tottenham but we have to accept it because before, without VAR, there were more and more and more.



“I listened to the conversation between the referees, because it’s popular, and they were concerned about their mistake but they couldn’t react they had started playing again. It’s a mistake. I accept it. Of course, for Liverpool it is more difficult,” he said at a press conference.



“For Jurgen too it’s more difficult but I accept it. I know before VAR came in there were more mistakes than now. But you have to accept it like before if there is a mistake. So no, no [to a replay]. You have to accept it like before, when we were without VAR,” Emery added, via <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2023/10/05/unai-emery-tells-jurgen-klopp-to-accept-var-mistake-and-forget-replay-idea-19611555/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Metro</a>.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo

Aston Villa's Emery slams Klopp for call for Spurs defeat replay

Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa, addressed Jurgen Klopp, who said he wanted a replay of the Liverpool-Tottenham game.

Youri Tielemans has admitted that his time with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/aston-villa-tv-schedule/">Aston Villa</a> so far has been less than ideal. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/belgium-national-team-tv-schedule/">Belgium</a> international joined the West Midlands club as a free agent earlier this summer. However, the midfielder has yet to start a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> match for the club.



Tielemans addressed the situation during a press conference while on international duty with Belgium. 



“This situation is not pleasant,” <a href="https://www.dhnet.be/sports/football/diablesrouges/2023/09/08/le-banc-a-aston-villa-enerve-youri-tielemans-jai-dit-au-coach-que-je-veux-jouer-YAUE4655BRDIFGKCTQLSJYFT5M/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claimed</a> Tielemans when asked about his lack of playing time at the club. “I told the coach [Emery] that I came to Villa to play. He understands me, but at the moment he prefers to play with his two midfielders from last season.”



<h2>Tielemans relegated to bench role in early stages of season</h2>



Emery has opted to start Boubacar Kamara and Douglas Luiz in midfield for all four Premier League matches so far this season. 



Club captain John McGinn has also played every game alongside the aforementioned duo as well. While Tielemans has not earned a top flight start just yet, he has made substitute appearances in all four of these fixtures. 



The Belgian’s lone start of the season came against Hibernian in a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/conference-league-tv-schedule/">Europa Conference League</a> match. Tielemans played a wide role for Emery in the 3-0 home victory.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🇧🇪 Youri Tielemans starts for <a href="https://twitter.com/BelRedDevils?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BelRedDevils</a> in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EURO2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EURO2024</a> qualifier match against Azerbaijan. Good luck, Youri! 💪 <a href="https://t.co/OCtdjGHJtD">https://t.co/OCtdjGHJtD</a>— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1700484389493190950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Villa coach guarantees midfielder more playing time </h2>



The midfielder has, however, claimed that his head coach has ensured him that he will soon receive more time on the pitch.



“[Emery] told me that soon the games will come one after the other and I’ll get more playing time,” continued Tielemans. 



“I know this answer doesn’t get me anywhere, but what am I supposed to do? As soon as I get an opportunity, I want to seize it. So far, I’ve started once, in the Conference League.”



Many soccer fans were initially shocked to learn that Tielemans chose to sign with Villa this summer.



The dynamic midfielder was previously a key player for Leicester City and seemingly should have had offers from a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> or <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a> team. 



Nevertheless, the Belgian may have picked Villa because he assumed he would be a regular starter. The season is, however, still young and Tielemans has plenty of time to impress Emery.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Photo News

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