Emery reaches 100 PL wins as Villa grind out win at Newcastle

Unai Emery claimed his 100th Premier League victory as Aston Villa won 1-0 at Newcastle United on Saturday, with Johan Manzambi's first-half header proving the decisive moment.

The result extended Villa's unbeaten run to five matches at St James' Park and moved the club to 8 points from 7 games, sitting 12th in the table after a difficult start to the season.

"The victory is really very fantastic," Emery said. "How we competed, how the players (won) duels, how the players as well (showed) their commitment, everybody, with the players (bringing) impact as well, they did fantastic."

Emery credited the collective effort throughout, noting a slow start to the campaign had made the result all the more important. "After our poor start, we have to try to keep balance in the table," he said. "In Premier League as a priority for the season, this competition, because through it we must achieve our objectives."

Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was singled out for praise as Newcastle pressed late in the game. "Zion, he did a fantastic save, he did as well a lot of going to catch the ball when they were crossing," Emery added. "I think he did a fantastic job."

The clean sheet was Villa's second in four days, following a Champions League victory midweek. Emery's squad now faces a congested schedule, with European action against Viking next, before a Premier League meeting with Manchester City and a Carabao Cup tie to follow.

Villa's travelling supporters were also acknowledged by Emery, who described the club as being in a period of transition. "Grateful for our supporters as well, because they were with us here, enjoying the new time we are trying to build the team," he said.