‘Unai Emery erupts at Aston Villa v Fulham as Ezri Konsa bites back’ – ‘Wow’
Unai Emery was seen raging on the touchlines and Ezri Konsa’s response only added to the Spaniard’s anger during Aston Villa’s 1-0 win over Fulham.
With plenty of potential summer transfer deals contingent on the Villains qualifying for Champions League football, the pressure was on for the Spaniard’s side.
Aston Villa’s deal to sign Marcus Rashford could collapse if they fail to qualify, whilst any hopes of signing Kevin De Bruyne would dwindle if they fail to make it to Europe’s premier competition.
However, Emery’s side came through and secured a vital 1-0 victory over Fulham thanks to a wonderful header from Youri Tielemans.
But that did not stop the Spanish manager from making his feelings known on the touchline midway through the second-half.
Unai Emery loses it as Aston Villa defence falls asleep
With 52 minutes gone, Alex Iwobi played a smart early cross into Villa’s penalty area, with Harry Wilson just mistiming his effort which was saved by Emi Martinez.
The Nigerian’s clever pass, combined with the Welshman’s smart run, caught both Konsa and Pau Torres off guard, and they were fortunate the former Liverpool man did not make them pay.
Commentating live on TNT Sports, Lucy Ward spotted Emery going ballistic at his defenders (3 May, 1.43pm): “Not happy at all, Unai Emery.”
The former Leeds forward continued: “Look at the area where Emery is. He’s absolutely fuming at his defence.”
Darren Fletcher laughed, then added: “Wow, that’s passion from the Aston Villa manager.
“Gives you a little insight into what he’s like at half-time when he’s not happy.
“I think Ezri Konsa might just have had a little nibble back again, which might have prolonged the assault from the touchline.”
Ward: “Yeah, you don’t do that.”
Tempers flare as Aston Villa fail to convince in win over Fulham
Football Insider Verdict
After suffering a devastating 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final last Saturday (26 April), the Villains somewhat made amends with their win over Fulham.
However, it was an unconvincing performance, and the reactions from Emery and Konsa gave some insight into the stress Villa find themselves under.
Just a matter of weeks ago, the Midlands side had trophies on their mind and were in the Champions League quarter-finals, whilst winning the FA Cup was seen as a real possibility.
| Match stats | Aston Villa | Fulham |
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Shots (on target) | 10 (3) | 11 (3) |
| Expected goals | 0.86 | 0.71 |
| Big chances (missed) | 3 (2) | 1 (1) |
| Corners | 5 | 3 |
But after letting both of those slip, qualification to UEFA’s premier competition has become all-or-nothing.
It showed in their performance against the Whites, Villa were open at the back and wasteful going forward.
Emery must find a way to help his side settle, or else this season will be full of nothing but disappointments.