UNAI FLIES HIGH

Last-gasp winner gives Emery spring in his step

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FOR a man whose celebrations are not always too animated, Unai Emery almost took leave of his senses at Villa Park.

It is quite possible even the springiest of centre-forwards has not leapt as high at this grand old venue as the Aston Villa manager did when Emi Buendia hit the most dramatic of winners deep, deep into added time.

Deep, as in the last meaningful kick of the game.

After Peter Bankes had called time once VAR confirmed there was nothing amiss in Buendia’s goal, Emery had returned to a state of relative calm and performed his usual, very admirable pre-match routine. A firm shake of Mikel Arteta’s hand and then the briskest of walks to the tunnel, smiling and acknowledging the acclaim.

He is out of there, leaving the ovation for his men, for players who thoroughly deserved what could be a landmark win in their season.