This result was hugely satisfying for Emery, and not just because it maintained his side’s incredible winning run.
Not only did it come in the stadium where the Spaniard won his third Europa League trophy with Sevilla in 2016, Villa’s latest victory also demonstrated the strength in depth at Emery’s disposal.
He made eight changes, with Ezri Konsa, Matty Cash and Amadou Onana the only starters from the statement win over Arsenal.
With a match at West Ham on Sunday, Emiliano Martinez was given the night off while the likes of Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Morgan Rogers made cameo appearances from the bench.
“Our idea at the start of the season was to manage all the players and give them the chance to play and help us,” added Emery.
“How we are managing it like today, I like how they are responding and how we are building the team with every player.”
Villa survived one or two nervy moments but still ran out winners and are guaranteed at least a play-off spot. Another win in Europe, however, should be enough to secure an automatic place in the knockout stages.
Emery’s side have now won 14 of their past 16 games in all competitions, remarkable considering they started the season without a win in six league and cup games.
Having failed to score in any of their first four matches, Villa are one of the best performing teams in Europe’s top five leagues.
