After Aston Villa’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day evening, manager Unai Emery reminded his players of the Premier League’s level, according to centre-back Clement Lenglet.
Villa led 2-0 at halftime, but imploded in the second half, surrendering three goals to deliver United what appeared to be an unexpected victory. Two goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund’s first in the Premier League clinched a remarkable come-from-behind victory for the Reds.
Garnacho’s first goal of the evening ended United’s goal drought, which had lasted more than seven hours, but they were helped by Villa’s choice to retain a high defensive line. The visitors chose not to protect their two-goal lead, allowing United to often get in behind their defence.
“I’m not sure if we were too comfortable, but I think we started to play more behind,” Lenglet said. “We could have done better if we had been more organised.”
“After the game, the manager stated that [the] level in the Premier League is extremely high.” You know it will be difficult to visit a place like Manchester United.
“When you have a 2-0 lead, you should try to defend it and win.” It’s aggravating.”
