Emery Admits Villa's Away Struggles Ahead of Newcastle Clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery acknowledges his team's struggles away from home ahead of their Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has acknowledged that his team is struggling with confidence on the road, a concern that will be put to the test in their upcoming Boxing Day clash against Newcastle.

Despite Villa's impressive recent form, which includes a fourth win in five games across all competitions, including a notable victory over Premier League champions Manchester City, Emery is under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead. He expects a “very difficult” encounter against Newcastle, highlighting the need for his team to overcome their away-day nerves and build on their current momentum.

“He (Howe) was doing a fantastic job with Bournemouth. Always, his teams are more or less dynamic teams, intensity, they like to play with the ball possession and being aggressive in attack, attacking with a lot of players.

“They (Newcastle) beat us last year two times, and of course I respect them a lot. It is a very strong stadium for them, difficult for the opponent.”

Aston Villa will face a formidable challenge when they visit St James' Park on Boxing Day, as they take on a Newcastle United team that is riding a wave of success. The Magpies have secured back-to-back 4-0 league victories over Leicester and Ipswich, and they also boast a strong recent record against Villa, having completed a league double over them last season.

Unai Emery is well aware of the difficulties that Newcastle will pose, and he has expressed his admiration for the team's recent performances. “Very difficult, because I think now they are in good form, and of course they played two years ago in the Champions League,” Emery said, highlighting Newcastle's experience and quality. The Villa manager also praised Newcastle's ambitions and the work of their manager, Eddie Howe, stating, “Their objective is clearly to be in Europe.”

Aston Villa's struggles on the road will be put to the test once again on Thursday, as they face a daunting task against Newcastle United. Villa have suffered four consecutive away defeats in the Premier League, and Unai Emery acknowledges the challenges posed by the league. “When I arrived here, my thoughts were that it is the most difficult league,” Emery said, highlighting the competitiveness of the Premier League.

Emery's team is currently sixth in the standings, but he recognizes the need for consistency, particularly away from home. “A lot of teams have capacity, with good players, good coaches and good history... The league is a very interesting league, very motivating for us, each match how we can get points and be better,” Emery explained. “Now we are sixth, we are trying to focus each match, be consistent. We are feeling better at home, but away, it is completely different.”

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, meanwhile, is eager to challenge the notion that the Premier League's top six is an exclusive club. With his team just two points behind Villa, Howe has issued a rallying cry to his players. The Magpies are determined to prove that they can break into the top six, and Howe is confident that they have the talent and determination to do so.

“It's our job to try and achieve the most that we can and put no barriers on our levels or our expectations of ourselves internally and see what happens.”

Howe added: ”We have seen Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and loads of teams have really strong seasons. The level of the Premier League has been really tight this year between all teams.

“I don't think there's a lot of difference between the top and bottom sides and that's testament to the quality of every team in the league. There are no easy games and that makes a great spectacle.

“It makes a great league because you never know what's going to happen. You never know what twists and turns are ahead, so it's up to all of us to try and break into whatever group of teams, try to upset people and achieve success.”