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‘Villa’s next challenge is against Barcelona’ – Emery refuses to dwell on Fulham draw
‘Villa’s next challenge is against Barcelona’ – Emery refuses to dwell on Fulham draw

Unai Emery insisted Aston Villa's "focus is the next match", which is a "challenge against Barcelona" following a 1-1 Premier League draw with Fulham.

Despite taking the lead through the in-form Nicolas Jackson, an own goal from Zion Suzuki saw the spoils shared at Villa Park.

John McGinn also missed a penalty for the Villans, who saw Pau Torres squander two late opportunities.

Suzuki is the first Villa goalkeeper to score an own goal in the Premier League since Emiliano Martinez against Liverpool in May 2024, with Suzuki also the very first Asian goalkeeper to do so in the competition.

Nevertheless, Villa are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches (W3 D2) – their longest streak in the competition since a run of eight wins in November/December 2025, and Emery has encouraged them to keep looking forward, ahead of two big games.

Before the international break, Villa face Barca away in the Champions League and visit Old Trafford in the Premier League.

"Disappointing result, but fair," Emery told BBC Match of the Day.

"The first half, we tried to dominate the match, to break their high build-up with the press. We did it more times than less. Sometimes, they could break our press, and they created one or two chances, but saved [by] Zion Suzuki.

"We were creating chances; we were creating goals. We had a penalty. We scored a goal. In the first half, we more or less were [there]. 

"A draw is a disappointing result, but a fair result, and we must keep going. Next challenge is Tuesday against Barcelona. Next challenge is against Manchester United, so it's not time to stop.

"It's not time to be focusing on what was before. Our focus is the next match, next days. Each competition is giving us a lot of moments to try to build the team. We are building, and we are working to improve."

Fulham, meanwhile, have avoided defeat away to Villa in the Premier League for the first time since April 2014 under Felix Magath (2-1 win), with the Cottagers losing each of their last five visits to Villa Park in the top-flight.

Alvaro Arbeloa was delighted with how his side fared against strong opposition, with Fulham now unbeaten in their last three league games (W2 D1).

"For me, what's important is how we played against a Champions League team in their stadium," said Arbeloa.

"My players are believing in the way that we play, and they are fighting, they are improving, they are working.

"I think we are starting a long journey, I hope. I think we will improve. We can do better, and for that we will work every day."

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