Emery is proud of the effort Villa put into winning the title and qualifying for the Champions League.

Aston Villa, after trailing by one goal, defeated Manchester City 2-1 in the final round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, thanks to a two-goal victory from Watkins. Emery stated that he is proud of the team's achievements, performance, and efforts throughout the season.

Reindes' corner kick in the 23rd minute was cleared, and Semenio then volleyed it into the net, giving Manchester City a 1-0 lead.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Aston Villa launched a counter-attack from a corner kick, and Watkins fired a shot into the net amidst the scramble, leveling the score at 1-1. In the 61st minute, Ross Barkley played a long pass, Watkins received the pass, entered the penalty area, broke through the defense, and fired a low shot into the net, giving Aston Villa a 2-1 lead over Manchester City.

Ultimately, Aston Villa finished fourth in the Premier League and won a Europa League title.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said, "We have once again gained valuable experience here, both in terms of the way we won and the course of the game. We were down 0-1 at halftime and created very few chances."

"But the second half completely changed things. We started to control the game, score goals and create chances, and eventually turned the score around. It's wonderful to be able to finish the season the way we deserve. There have been ups and downs throughout the season, but I think the players deserve all of this, and the fans deserve the joy we have now."

Speaking about winning the Europa League title at a crucial stage of the season and ultimately securing Champions League qualification, Emery said, "It was fantastic, truly outstanding. Especially the way we finished the season. The Premier League is always the most important thing and our primary goal. We finished fourth, securing Champions League qualification, and also beat some teams that were considered more competitive than us before the season started."

“Our battles during this period have been fantastic, beating Liverpool at home last week and then Manchester City away, it’s really incredible.”

Furthermore, Emery emphasized, "And then there's the Europa League title, a trophy we haven't lifted in many years. Of course, it makes us incredibly proud of the effort we've put in."

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