Unai Emery makes admission after Aston Villa hold Newcastle to draw in Premier League opener

WATCH NOW: Aidan Magee discusses the latest sport news August 16 2025

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 16/08/2025

- 15:05

Updated: 16/08/2025

- 15:15

The hosts battled to earn a point on Saturday

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has opened up after his side's goalless draw with Newcastle at Villa Park on Saturday.

The hosts did well to earn a point after playing the last 24 minutes, plus stoppage time, without defender Ezri Konsa.


Konsa was sent off in the 66th minute of the clash for hauling down Anthony Gordon just as the forward threatened to go through on goal.

**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**

While Villa were flat in the first half, they improved after the break and, in the end, deserved their point.

Aston Villa Unai Emery

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has opened up after his side's goalless draw with Newcastle at Villa Park on Saturday

|

PA

Emery, speaking to TNT Sports, has now admitted that his side will have to 'accept' the draw - despite being frustrated that they dropped two points on home soil.

The Spaniard said: "We must never be happy losing two points at home, but with the circumstances we had with the red card and how we were for the last 30 minutes, we have to accept it.

"In the first half, we weren't controlling the game like we planned. They were better in the duels.

"We didn't have a lot of chances to score. They had one very clear chance. They maybe deserved a bit more than us.

JUST IN: Liverpool fan provides new insight on Antoine Semenyo incident after Bournemouth star reported racist abuse

"In the second half we started very well, we changed a little bit tactically.

"We didn't have a lot of chances but we were in a good moment. Then the match changed completely again with the red card.

"We were strong with our mentality. We didn't concede a lot of chances. We have to accept this point."

Emery was then asked if Konsa could have avoided his dismissal, with Tyrone Mings racing back to try and stop Gordon from bursting through.

**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**

Ezri Konsa

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery refused to criticise Ezri Konsa after the defender's red card against Newcastle on Saturday

|

GETTY

The Villa boss continued: "It is difficult to anticipate which is best in that moment.

"This action for Konsa, I can't say anything about this decision."

In addition to Emery, Villa defender Mings also discussed the result.

The England international admitted his side were slow out of the blocks but was pleased with their fighting spirit as they avoided defeat.

"It was a tough game, especially in the second half," he said.

"We knew Newcastle would be high energy and on the front foot, so we had to be smart how we played.

"It was a fairly even game, and after being down to 10 men we are happy with a point.

"It was a tough first half of course, everyone trying to find their feet.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Unai Emery

Unai Emery was pleased with Aston Villa's fighting spirit as they held Newcastle to a goalless draw in Saturday's Premier League opener

|

PA

"But I enjoyed the game and our performance.

"It is difficult in the first weeks when the window is still open, it is important for the players here to keep the group focused."