Aston Villa make Newcastle United FA Cup admission after sealing quarter-final spot
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has downplayed his team’s chances of winning the FA Cup, insisting that Newcastle United, along with Manchester City and Manchester United, have a stronger likelihood of lifting the trophy.
Despite Villa already securing their place in the quarter-finals, Emery remains realistic about the competition’s difficulty and the caliber of teams still in contention.
Villa advanced to the next stage after a commanding 2-0 victory over Championship side Cardiff City, controlling the game from start to finish. Although they dominated possession and created numerous opportunities, it wasn’t until the 68th minute that Marco Asensio found the breakthrough.
The Spanish midfielder then sealed the result with his second goal ten minutes from time, ensuring Villa’s comfortable progression in the tournament. Their strong form at Villa Park this season has made them a formidable opponent, but Emery remains cautious about their prospects in a competition still featuring some of England’s most powerful clubs.
Speaking after the match, Emery acknowledged the significance of reaching the quarter-finals, highlighting that the club had not managed to do so in the past two years.
He recognized the prestige of the FA Cup and the potential rewards it offers, including a route to Wembley and European qualification. However, he admitted that teams like Manchester City, Manchester United, and Newcastle stand as bigger favorites due to their squad depth, experience, and recent performances in domestic competitions.
His comments reflect an understanding of the challenge ahead, knowing that his side must navigate past elite opposition to have any chance of claiming the trophy.
Newcastle United, who have already eliminated Bromley and Birmingham City, now prepare for what could be their toughest test yet as they host Brighton and Hove Albion at St James’ Park.
Their previous encounter with Brighton at home ended in disappointment, with Danny Welbeck scoring the decisive goal that secured all three points for the Seagulls. Newcastle’s inconsistent form in recent weeks raises concerns heading into the fixture, but the team remains determined to push forward in the competition.
A victory on Sunday would bring Newcastle a step closer to their second domestic cup final of the season, following their successful run to the Carabao Cup final, where they will face Liverpool later this month at Wembley.
Eddie Howe’s side has demonstrated resilience in knockout competitions, and progressing further in the FA Cup would mark another significant achievement in their ongoing evolution under new ownership.
With the club striving for silverware and European football, the FA Cup represents a golden opportunity to solidify their progress and challenge for major honors.
While Emery remains cautious about Villa’s chances, his comments also reflect the respect Newcastle has earned in recent seasons. The Magpies’ resurgence has positioned them as a force to be reckoned with, and their ability to compete against top opposition makes them a genuine contender in the FA Cup.
As the competition reaches its latter stages, the battle for the trophy intensifies, with Newcastle aiming to make a statement and take another step toward ending their long wait for silverware.