Unai Emery challenged Aston Villa to deliver one of the most memorable seasons in their history after they stormed into the FA Cup semi-finals.
Marcus Rashford’s double helped Villa win 3-0 at Preston to set up a last-four tie against Crystal Palace at Wembley in late April.
They also take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and remain well in the shake-up to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition again next season, via the Premier League.
When Emery took over in autumn 2022, Villa feared being dragged into a relegation scrap. Now they are the envy of many of their rivals.
‘I am proud of how the owners and the club have responded,’ said Emery. ‘When we arrived here we spoke about how much we wanted to play in Europe and we achieved it. We wanted to be in contention for a trophy – we did that in the Europa Conference League last season and now in the FA Cup this season.
‘We have increased our level and our demands. We have signing some players who it would have been impossible to bring to Villa three or four years ago, but we trust that the project we have can attract these players.
Unai Emery saw his side reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup by winning at Preston on Sunday
Aston Villa won 3-0 at Preston’s Deepdale stadium, with all the goals coming after half-time
Two of those goals were scored by No 9 Marcus Rashford – his first goals since joining the club
‘We are more or less in the top eight of the Premier League, we are involved in the Champions League and the FA Cup. I think we can see the evidence of the owners’ ambition on the field. I am very demanding of myself as well.’
These were Rashford’s first goals for Villa and now he and fellow loan signing Marco Asensio have 13 goal involvements in 19 appearances.
After Rashford had put Villa in front, Asensio handed him the ball to make it two from the penalty spot, before Jacob Ramsey added the third.
Emery added: ‘It is all about shared objectives. We could win a trophy, but still end up not playing at the same level as we are playing this season.
‘It’s about being consistent in the Premier League, getting in a European spot, as well as having an FA Cup run to enjoy with our supporters. This competition means a lot to them and to play at Wembley will be fantastic.
‘The supporters are the very heart of the club and it is our responsibility to give them moments like these.’
Though Preston were competitive until the first goal, they had no answer to Villa’s extra firepower – as boss Paul Heckingbottom acknowledged.
Heckingbottom said: ‘That five minute spell took the game away from us – bang, bang and the game is gone. We had the best chance until then. You can’t hide your disappointment because of the occasion and the prize but I am proud of everyone connected with the club.’
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