Unai Emery was speaking following Everton's 0-0 Premier League draw with Aston Villa
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Unai Emery manger / head coach of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Unai Emery during the Premier League match between Everton and Aston Villa at Hill Dickinson Stadium
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Unai Emery admitted his Aston Villa side had Emiliano Martinez to thank for their point against Everton. The Villa goalkeeper produced two outstanding saves in either half to ensure his side picked up their second point of the season.
The first save arrived in the first half when he kept out a deflected Jack Grealish effort from inside the box. However, his best save came with just under 20 minutes remaining.
Grealish swung in a cross from the left that was met by Michael Keane, but his header was superbly tipped over by the Argentine.
And Emery admitted afterwards: “It is a good point. A lot of things positive. Firstly, the goalkeeper, Martinez, did a fantastic job.
"He saved us a lot of times. We were defending with the ball, we were being disciplined and organised.
"Then we have to improve offensively, as we are not scoring goals, but with this point I am happy. We are building the team and getting confidence and getting emotions together. This point is necessary to keep going.
"Everton are performing very well. Of course, they are improving and we are building a team with circumstances that we have and recognising our positivity. Competing and feeling strong.
"We analysed the last match we played and we were not competing like we were today. Our identify today was on the field."
Emery’s thoughts were echoed by Ezri Konsa, who admitted to Match of the Day: "A point in the right direction – we kept a clean sheet, which was important for us.
“We knew how tough it was coming here. They had chances and Emi Martinez made top saves. A point in the right direction and we go from there.
"I felt like we lacked that final pass and the final shot. I know the boys up top are frustrated that we have not scored a goal, so we will go back, and they will be working hard to make sure they score the next game."