THRILLER VILLA GO 'NUCLEAR'

Emery's perfect Euro reply

- by Neil Moxley

ASTON VILLA have enjoyed a taste of success.

And that has only whetted their appetite for more.

This week's Champions League heartbreak served only to poke the claret and blue beast as they raised themselves off the canvas.

Unai Emery labelled the fans' support as "nuclear" as his side delivered four crushing blows in their best display under his reign.

And there have been a few.

The Magpies turned up at Villa Park on the back of five straight victories.

The best form of the entire division.

But they were swept aside by a claret and blue tide that washed over them time and again.

Never mind the four strikes that defeated Nick Pope - they also tested the woodwork three times as Emery's call to arms was answered in emphatic style.

No sooner had the final whistle blown against the French champions on Tuesday night than Villa's boss was urging his team to draw a line under their exploits.

He needed that focus. There was no time to wallow in self-pity.

The Spaniard's right-hand man, Damian Vidagany, took to social media before kick-off in an unashamed rallying cry.