Unai Emery was pleased to secure a first leg victory against LOSC Lille in the Europa League quarter-finals.

Goals from Ollie Watkins and John McGinn put the home side two up before Bafode Diakite struck back late on as the match ended 2-1. A positive result leaves Villa with the upper hand heading to the north of France next week.

“The result was very tight and it was a tight match, very difficult,” Emery said, adding: “We prepared the match understanding and respecting them, and we won. We have to be, more or less, happy and respecting them even more than we were.

“They will be strong in their stadium and now we have to try to play 90 minutes thinking how we can analyse the match deeply and better playing there. We have to try to get a good result there.

”Emery is now keen to focus on Arsenal away on Sunday before turning his attention to the second leg.

He said: “The way we are playing is very positive for the players and giving opportunities to score goals and get assists. We have to continue practicing and building the team. This is the next step, first on Sunday against Arsenal and then in the second leg against Lille.

“It’s a very good opportunity and we have to be excited, motivated and try to recover our energy. We have to prepare the two matches as best as possible.”