Emery happy after Magpies test

Unai Emery cut a happy figure after Aston Villa stepped up their pre-season preparations against Newcastle United in Philadelphia on Sunday.

Villa played out an end-to-end 3-3 draw against the Magpies in their Premier League Summer Series encounter at Lincoln Financial Field.

Head coach Emery admitted the scoreline is secondary, and spoke of his happiness at Villa’s display as well as sharing his gratitude towards the club’s loyal fans.

“Firstly, I’m thankful for our supporters, sharing with us here our tournament in the United States,” he told VillaTV.

“Tonight, the atmosphere was amazing and we did our work.

“Everything we were practicing here, I think we did on the pitch in 90 minutes and we shared playing with experienced players and young players.

“I think we got the performance we were trying to get and I’m happy, really happy.

“The result is secondary for us.

“But to score three goals, of course, is one thing we are going to analyse, why.

“But I am happy.”

Villa now travel to Orlando to face Fulham on Wednesday in their second match of the club’s pre-season trip to the USA.

And Emery is hoping to potentially have some new faces for the clash, including the club’s latest summer signing.

“Now, we are going to prepare quickly for the match on Wednesday,” added the Villa boss.

“Recover the players who played tonight, then try to add Philippe Coutinho and Moussa Diaby.

“Leon Bailey is coming back and meeting with us on Thursday.

“We are going to continue in our way, our work and the plan we are doing, and adding some different players as well.

“And, of course, being competitive. Firstly, each one with us, and then playing against the teams like tonight – Newcastle, Fulham the same very high level, Brentford on Sunday.

“Very good.”