Departing Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has tipped Aston Villa to become a genuine Premier League contender under Unai Emery, following Villa's 2-1 victory over City at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola's Praise for Emery and Villa
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Guardiola said: "We played against an incredible team. Unai, what a manager - an incredible human being. Congratulations for them for winning the Europa League. They will be an incredible Premier League contender in the future."
Villa spoiled Guardiola's leaving party on Sunday afternoon, with two second-half goals from Ollie Watkins turning the game around after Antoine Semenyo had given City the lead in the 23rd minute.
Europa League Triumph and Premier League Finish
Just four days earlier, Emery's side had beaten Freiburg in Istanbul to win the Europa League before heading to Manchester to end their Premier League campaign. Guardiola added: "Aston Villa didn't play for anything. It was a good game to get out of the alcohol they had in their bodies after they won the Europa League!"
Villa's victory over City secured a fourth-placed finish for the second time in three years under Emery, who will lead the club back into the Champions League next term.
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