Emery connects at all levels

TOWARDS the end of his Arsenal reign, and seemingly more than he was previously, Unai Emery appeared to be at pains to try to improve relations between fans, him and his team. But by then the disconnect was irreparable. On his return to England with Aston Villa, Emery appears to have learned from the experience. Forging that bond has been among his early priorities and the process is going as well as things on the pitch for Emery. His social media posts regularly refer to the fans, who are enthusiastically singing his name in response. He has been able to quickly make himself far more popular with his new public thanks to an upturn in form. When he was appointed, Villa were looking over their shoulder, flirting far too closely with the bottom three. Seven league games later – including five wins – they are thinking of Europe. Ashley Young said: ‘We’ve got to look as high as we can, as we want – European places. ‘I’ve said from the time I came back to the club, a club the size of ours, I was here when we had European nights before and it’s fantastic. The manager is a winner. He’s brought in his presence, his aura. He’s won at different teams and he’s bringing that mentality to everyone.’ Villa are now just a point outside the top half, and the top six is only a victory away after Ollie Watkins’ winner at St Mary’s.

SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1): Bazunu 6; Lyanco 7, Caleta-Car 7 (Djenepo 84min), Salisu 6.5, Walker-Peters 6; Lavia 6.5 (Elyounoussi 61, 6), Diallo 6.5; Edozie 6.5 (Perraud 62, 6), Ward-Prowse 6, A Armstrong 5.5 (Orsic 84); Adams 5.5 (Mara 61, 6). Booked: Lyanco. Manager: Nathan Jones 6. ASTON VILLA (4-4-2): MARTINEZ 7.5; A Young 7, Konsa 7, Mings 6, Moreno 6; Ramsey 6, Luiz 7 (Dendoncker 88), Kamara 6, Buendia 6.5 (Coutinho 69, 6); Watkins 7, Bailey 6.5 (Cash 81). Scorer: Watkins 77. Booked: Luiz, Moreno. Manager: Unai Emery 7.5. Referee: Michael Salisbury 6. Attendance: Not provided.