Emery: Arsenal Clash A 'Learning Test' For Aston Villa's Season Progress

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Unai Emery views Arsenal's match as a benchmark for Aston Villa to gauge their progress this season. Goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey secured a 2-0 victory for Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday. Despite the loss, Emery found positives in his team's performance during their first home game of the season.

"You have to accept Arsenal they are more experienced, more mature. They are strong," Emery told Sky Sports. "Today was a test for us to understand who we are. We competed, we faced them, we could have won, drawn or lost."

Ollie Watkins missed significant opportunities in both halves, while Amadou Onana hit the crossbar. Emery acknowledged these missed chances but remained optimistic about the team's overall display.

"The most important thing is to create chances," Emery said. "Of course, he is not finishing them all, but I am very happy how he progressed from the first match at West Ham." Watkins had failed to score this season and didn't manage a single shot in their opener against West Ham.

Watkins had another close-range effort wide in the first half and was denied by David Raya's excellent save in the second half when he attempted to convert Onana's rebound.

Building on Performance

"We created three very good chances, like them, but our chances were more clear," Emery noted. "We competed like we could do; I have to be proud of the players. We have to keep building."

The Spaniard emphasised that although the result was not favourable, the manner of play was encouraging. He believes this performance will provide valuable insights into improving their style and competitiveness.

Looking Ahead

"I think it's going to give us a lot of information about the team, the squad and players and how we can close this week in the transfer window and finish this month playing Leicester," Emery added.

Emery remains confident that Watkins will regain his scoring form soon. "His progress has been performing better and creating chances. Ollie Watkins, chances like that in the future, he will score."

Aston Villa will aim to build on this performance as they prepare for their upcoming matches and transfer window activities.

Full-time in Birmingham.