Goal hero believes Champions League example shows strength of Aston Villa squad

The left-back swept home in the 64th minute to put Emery’s men back ahead in Saturday’s superb 4-1 win over the Magpies.

Maatsen was starting for just the seventh time in the top-flight since arriving from Chelsea in a £37.5million move last summer.

The 23-year-old was part of the Borussia Dortmund team which reached last year’s Champions League final and was later named in the tournament’s select XI, alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

But the depth of Villa’s squad and the form of Lucas Digne means he is only now beginning to enjoy a consistent run of starts, with Saturday his third straight in the Premier League.

Maatsen said: “I'm trying to do my best. On Saturday, I got the chance. It's such a strong squad so if someone is tired or injured, we have enough players to do the same job.  

“I feel fit, I’ve got used to the system now. All the team knows what my game plan is and also the system we want to play in, so I feel comfortable and very positive.”

Emery currently has a fully fit squad with defender Pau Torres, who started both legs of their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, not even making Saturday’s matchday selection.

Ollie Watkins, meanwhile, later explained how he had channeled his anger at not starting either match against PSG into positive energy. The striker went level with Gabriel Agbonlahor at the top of Villa’s all-time Premier League top scorers when he netted after just 33 seconds, before setting up Maatsen to score after Fabian Schar had drawn the visitors level.

A Dan Burn own goal and a brilliant strike from Amadou Onana secured Villa’s fifth straight Premier League win. Victory at Manchester City on Tuesday night would now send Emery’s men into the top-five and in pole position to secure a return to the Champions League next season.

Maatsen said: “Saturday gives us a lot of confidence of course, but away from home it's always tough to play, especially against Manchester City. 

“They're also a top team that wants to compete for Europe and we want to do the same. 

“We have to be prepared, but also the focus is in our hands. We know what we're capable of and we go there and show character and show energy that we can win there as well.”

Villa are aiming for a fourth straight away Premier League win and the defender continued:  “At home, we are feeling very strong, comfortable, we know the fans are giving such energy and transmit it to us. 

“To play like this and away from home it's always difficult but we've got the squad, we've got the belief and the confidence that we can perform away against big teams. 

“We've got a strong team, exceptional players and everyone can show their part. We're not finished yet, so we have to keep going. 

“There are a few games to go. It’s very important, so hopefully we can finish strong to get to Europe next season.”