Unai Emery reveals stunning details of post-match chat with Ange Postecoglou

Unai Emery has lifted the lid on what he told Ange Postecoglou after the two head coaches were spotted exchanging words at full time of Aston Villa's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. It was a tense and competitive clash between two teams fighting for European qualification – and there were some controversial refereeing decisions made – but there was no love lost between the two managers.

Respectful as ever, Emery wanted to make it clear just how much he respects Postecoglou and the Australian's ambition in the Tottenham dugout. It wasn't just the usual and characteristic praise Emery offers opponent managers but rather a special word for the fine work Postecoglou has been doing in such a short period of time.

Asked in the post-match press conference about his chat with Postecoglou, Emery said: "In football, when someone is coming in and adding tactically different ways, or tactically showing something in a really successful way, I appreciate it.

"As well, I usually want to analyse and understand. Ange is doing very good work, he's amazing here. He did as well at Celtic and in Japan, Australia. I appreciate a lot the coaches when they’re doing something like he’s doing," Emery said.

It's now three consecutive defeats after going ahead for Tottenham but the tactics aren't changing from Postecoglou's perspective. A whole host of injuries and suspensions have struck Spurs but the determination remains to continue the progress with the same brand of football. Emery respects the approach.

In terms of how Sunday's result impacts the Premier League standings, Villa have now leapfrogged Spurs to move into fourth position. It's still tight, though, with Tottenham just two points below the men in claret and blue. There are also merely four points separating the top five.