Unai Emery

[Dave]

F365

It is difficult to gauge where Aston Villa doubly qualifying for the Champions League would sit on a list of all-time Premier League achievements. But it is a remarkable – if not Manager of the Year-shortlist-worthy – accomplishment.

What felt agonisingly precarious a fortnight ago has been fashioned into an almost perfect sprint to the finish of a marathon season. The Burnley draw notwithstanding, Emery has gambled with the highest stakes imaginable to secure a top-five place and European final for his team.

The group of clubs and managers who have qualified for European competition through league position in four consecutive Premier League seasons is miniscule. Emery and Villa taking their place among them, especially in the circumstances, is ludicrous.