‘Job done’ – How Aston Villa dressing room reacted to vital Arsenal win in Champions League race

Aston Villa recorded a hugely impressive Premier League win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium to improve their chances of qualifying for the Champions League

The Aston Villa squad have reacted to their hugely important win over Arsenal.

Villa have established a three-point lead over Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Champions League football. Unai Emery’s side had already returned to fourth place before kick-off after Spurs suffered a heavy defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday. The victory has shaken up the battle for the top four, with Villa in action twice more before Spurs take on local rivals Arsenal at the end of the month.

It was a superb away performance from Emery’s team as Villa dented Arsenal’s title hopes. Leon Bailey opened the scoring and Ollie Watkins doubled their advantage, moving one away from a 20-goal tally, while goalkeeper Emi Martinez also produced some vital saves against his former side.

In his post-match press conference, Villa boss Unai Emery finally admitted that Villa are targeting Champions League football and the fixture calendar gives the Villans a chance to move up to nine points ahead before Spurs are next in action. After recording a seismic victory at the Emirates Stadium, the Villa squad shared their reaction on social media:

Emi Martinez: “A HUGE win but we still have more to do!! Thank you to all the fans. We keep pushing for you!! UTV”

Martinez’s teammate Morgan Rogers described the Villa number one as “the best” while Youri Tielemans referenced the importance of his saves, praising “that big toe”.

John McGinn: “What an effort and performance from the boys. Proud.”

In the comments, Leon Bailey replied, “My captain” and Lucas Digne commented, “Super John”.

Ollie Watkins: “A lot of people doubting me this year, I only use it as motivation.”

Watkins took aim at Troy Deeney on his Instagram story but received plenty of plaudits from his Villa teammates. Emi Buendia was among those to respond, writing “Ollie Watkins du du dudu” and Matty Cash replied with a goat emoji.

Diego Carlos , who won player of the match against Arsenal, posted: “Thank you to all of you who cheered and supported us all the time, this victory is for you!”

Douglas Luiz described Carlos as “a monster” in the comments section after the defender’s display at Arsenal.

Ezri Konsa: “What a great afternoon in London! +3 and a clean sheet.”

Lucas Digne: “What a game let’s go now on Thursday.”

Youri Tielemans: “Happy faces, What a win today, great team performance let’s gooo.”

Moussa Diaby: “Big win in North London. Great team performance and job done.”

Nicolo Zaniolo: “Amazing win!!! I’m very happy!!”

Issuing an apology to some of his followers for his goal, Leon Bailey joked: “Sorry if mi break unu heart, but UP THE F****** VILLA!”