The Aston Villa manager is not happy after the team controversially lost to Manchester United. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has broken the silence after a controversial refereeing decision that led to his team losing a place in the Champions League.
In arguably the most important game of a dramatic final league round in the 2024/25 Premier League, Manchester United secured a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Blew the whistle way too early!
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Visiting Aston Villa fans and us included thought they had taken the lead through Morgan Rogers late in the second half, only to find that the goal was nullified after referee Thomas Bramall had already blown for a free kick to Villa before the ball went into the net.
Minutes later, United took the lead through superstar Amad, before Christian Eriksen doubled the lead after United were awarded a penalty.
The result, combined with other matches in the Premier League, meant that Villa just failed to qualify for the Champions League on goal difference – something Emery is obviously not happy about.
Immediately after the final whistle, the Spaniard was seen waiting for referee Bramall in the tunnel at Old Trafford, where he clearly made his opinions on the controversial episode known.
After calming down, he spoke to TNT Sports and expressed his frustration over the fateful decision.
“The TV pictures showed that it was clear, but we have to accept it – it was a big mistake. That was the key moment, but overall they deserved more,” Emery admitted.
“We didn’t perform well enough today to get a good result, but we might have been able to do it if some decisions had been different.”
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The Villa boss also confirmed that he had spoken to the referee, and that Bramall admitted that he made a misjudgement at the moment. But Emery stressed that he did not want to go into detail about the matter.
Reflecting on the season
Instead, Emery praised his squad and revealed that his pre-season goal was to play European football next season – something they have now achieved.
“We secured the Europa League and we have to be happy with this performance. The goal was European football and we have to be proud of everything we have achieved,” he added.
But it seems that not everyone at Aston Villa agrees with Emery’s approach. Aston Villa has sent an official complaint to the Premier League about the outcome of the match and its consequences for next season.
