Unai Emery delivers Aston Villa message ahead of another key match

Villa hammered the Magpies 4-1 to record their fifth straight Premier League win and move closer to the top-five.

But they face another huge test at Manchester City on Tuesday, who remain above them in the table.

Emery said: “There’s still work to do. 

“For a European position, we are closer after Saturday’s victory and of course happy. 

“But now we are in our momentum, keeping momentum to try and get our best and don’t waste time and be focused each match.

“The first part of the season we weren’t performing and getting points like we are now. 

“We are under our objective in our better expectations we had, to be in Europe and to try to fight to get the Champions League positions.”

Ollie Watkins fired home after just 33 seconds to become Villa’s joint highest Premier League goalscorer and then set up Ian Maatsen for the home side’s second, after Fabian Schar had levelled for the visitors.

Villa powered their way to victory as Dan Burn put through his own net and substitute Amadou Onana scored a stunner.

Emery said: “There are still 15 points to play and we are behind those (top-five teams). 

“We have to continue to be very demanding to play in the Champions League or to play in Europe. 

“The players are aware of how difficult it is going to be and their responsibility to respond how they did on Saturday.”