Unai Emery record could prove secret Aston Villa weapon against PSG
Unai Emery takes his side to face his former employers Paris Saint-Germain this week - and the Villa boss knows a thing or two about getting one over old friends.
Villa face a stern test across two legs in the Champions League quarter-final against the French champions who dispatched Premier League leaders Liverpool on penalties at the previous stage.
In Emery, though, Villa have a head coach who is well versed in both European competition and getting one over former clubs.
The Spaniard - a four-times Europa League winner, including three on the spin with Sevilla - guided Villa to a memorable Premier League double over title-chasing Arsenal last season.
John McGinn netted an early winner at Villa Park in December 2023 before a memorable 2-0 victory courtesy of late Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey goals last April was a hammerblow to the Gunners' title hopes.
Emery's first reunion with Arsenal, who he managed for 18 months between 2018 and 2019, came in February 2023 a few months after his appointment in the West Midlands. On that occasion late drama went against Villa, who twice led but conceded two stoppage-time goals to lose a thriller 4-2.
Results against Mikel Arteta's side have been mixed this term after a first home game of the season went the way of visitors Arsenal in August. Villa were good value for a share of the spoils in the capital with a fight back of their own recently thanks to Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins goals in January.
Emery's overall record against the North Londoners reads just two defeats from nine clashes.
The Villa boss led Villarreal to a Europa League title - his fourth triumph in the competition - in 2021 via a memorable spot-kick success over Manchester United. But his record against the Yellow Submarine is something to be admired.
In fact, in 20 matches against Villarreal Emery has been on the losing side on just four occasions - and only once in the last 14 meetings.
Emery faced Villarreal with Almeria, in his first La Liga job, as well as with Valencia and more latterly Sevilla. He masterminded 10 victories and six draws against Villarreal and rarely came out on the losing side.
The Villa boss won eight matches, drew two and lost seven against Valencia, who he managed for four seasons between 2008 and 2012. His record against Sevilla is seven wins, three draws and nine defeats.
Emery managed French giants PSG between 2016 and 2018, where he won the Ligue 1 title at the second attempt, as well as six cup competitions.
