The goal for Aston Villa is to finish as high as possible heading into the final part of the Premier League campaign. Despite not winning a trophy, it has been a tremendous season that the club can proudly look back on. For Unai Emery, however, there is still a lot of unfinished 2024-2025 business to attend to.
Primed to face Tottenham Hotspur, the EPL fixture will be the last match in front of the supporters at Villa Park. As the AVFC boss knows, this is a chance to give the best possible thanks to the fans. Emery is someone who has repeatedly expressed his gratitude toward the supporters, noting the importance of the home atmosphere.
Now faced with the chance to earn another valuable three points, with time running out to secure a Champions League position, Emery appears far from slowing down. The Villa boss continues to stick with the message that he's had throughout the season.
From when Villa were in three competitions to the present, where they have already secured a place in Europe for next season, the Spaniard continues to push what he believes is possible at the club.
It isn't blind ignorance either. After all, a strong case can be made that Villa offered PSG the best resistance that the Ligue 1 side has faced all season throughout their competitions. A once highly in-form-looking Newcastle team faltered at VP.
There have been many positive moments from Villa that indicate that they are a top club in the Premier League and the world, really. Now, Emery knows that there is pressure to live up to the continued weight of expectations.
Putting the Aston Villa year in perspective
AVFC making a European competition for a third year in a row is a major accomplishment. Emery knows firsthand that there is a difference between Europa League and CL. While the path to silverware would be easier as things currently stand for next season, expect the Villa boss and everyone else to rally behind the push to qualify for the biggest club stage in the sport.
It wouldn't be a disappointment if Villa were to fail to qualify for Champions League. The opportunity is there, however. Winning out makes it so that it's likely that they will find themselves there again in 2025-2026.