Unai Emery Speaks Up After Ipswich Town Draw

Unai Emery felt Aston Villa could have left Portman Road with more than a point following a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town.

The visiting Villans were in control for long spells, particularly in the first half, and surged into a 2-1 half-time lead after falling behind.

Emi Martínez was rarely threatened in the second half before Liam Delap equalised with his second of the game after 72 minutes.

Aston Villa v Ipswich Town.

“I am not happy but I think the result was fair,” Emery said.

“We controlled the first half and managed to come back the result, which was fantastic. In the second half, progressively we weren’t controlling the game like we needed to.

“If we were scoring the third goal it was the key. We had some transitions that were more or less clear to do something better, something more.

“We didn’t do it, but we are in the process. The process is that there are another seven teams in front of us, contenders to be there. We achieved 13 points and I think it’s really good, but we are demanding and we want to continue building a team to get our performances even better than we are.

“Today is an example in the Premier League that it’s very difficult to win matches away, even against teams that were promoted this year.

“They are excited, they are playing getting confidence and feeling comfortable with their supporters. In my mind, one match like that where we controlled the game in the first half and we were winning 2-1, we have to improve the second half and understand how we can be consistent like the first half and adjust something tactically to win the game.

Unai Emery.

“I have to accept that it’s a fair result. Thank you to the supporters that were here with us.”

Emery can now begin preparing his squad for Wednesday’s Champions League game against Bayern Munich.

Villa will be looking to build on their matchday one win versus Young Boys when they take on the German giants at Villa Park.

Emery said: “It’s an exciting moment and a very motivating moment for the supporters, for the club and for everybody.

“We have to compete, prepare the match and try to get our performance in the Champions League playing against teams like Bayern Munich.

“This is our next challenge.”