Unai Emery has called on his Aston Villa side to build on their recent 1-0 victory over Bologna in the Europa League, urging them to find consistency as they move forward this season. This win marked Villa's first of the season, providing a much-needed confidence boost after a challenging start.

The victory against Bologna saw John McGinn score the only goal of the match in the first half. Despite creating further chances, including a penalty that was missed by Ollie Watkins, Villa managed to hold on to their lead and secure the win. The match saw goalkeeper Marco Bizot heavily involved, especially in the second half, ultimately ensuring the team secured the three points.

Emery acknowledged the significance of the win and emphasized the importance of maintaining this form. He highlighted the need for tactical development and a continued positive approach as they prepare for upcoming matches. Speaking to TNT Sports, Emery expressed his excitement and motivation regarding the Europa League campaign but also recognized the difficulty of winning the competition.

Villa's season began with a series of disappointing results in the Premier League, including draws against Newcastle and Everton, and losses to Brentford and Crystal Palace. This led to questions about the team's form and their ability to replicate the successes of previous seasons, where they had achieved top-half finishes and secured European competition. Prior to the win against Bologna, Aston Villa had not secured a win or scored a goal in the Premier League.

Emery's focus on building confidence is particularly relevant for players like Ollie Watkins, who has been experiencing a goal drought. Despite missing the penalty, Emery expressed confidence in Watkins's ability to regain his form, emphasizing the importance of effort and contribution to the team. He believes that Watkins is working like he is confident and that is the first step to recover confidence.

Looking ahead, Aston Villa faces Fulham in the Premier League, and Emery has stressed the need to carry the momentum from the Bologna game into that match. He wants the team to maintain consistency and build on the positive aspects of their performance.

The Villa manager has a strong track record in the Europa League, having won the competition four times with Sevilla and Villarreal. His experience and expertise in the tournament could prove valuable as Aston Villa navigates its Europa League campaign alongside its Premier League commitments. The team will be looking to improve upon their previous European performances, and potentially secure silverware.

Despite the positivity surrounding the recent win, there are still areas for improvement. Critics have pointed to the team's struggles in front of goal and a perceived lack of a "top-tier mentality" in crucial moments. The departure of Monchi, the club's sporting director, has also raised concerns about the club's direction.

However, with Emery at the helm, Aston Villa will be aiming to overcome these challenges and build on their first win of the season. The manager's emphasis on consistency, tactical development, and maintaining a positive mindset will be crucial as they strive for success in both domestic and European competitions.