Huge Villa Park claim made as Aston Villa push for Premier League top four

Newcastle United defender Matt Targett, formerly of Aston Villa, has claimed opponents have a strong dislike for the atmosphere at Villa Park. Having played 83 times for the Villans between 2019 and 2022, Targett knows all too well what it’s like in B6 but now he’s experienced facing it from the opposition dugout.

Sat on the bench as Newcastle were thrashed 3-0 at Villa Park on Saturday, it was a poor day out for Targett and his teammates as Eddie Howe’s side suffered a blow to their Champions League hopes. Villa, meanwhile, proved themselves to be genuine contenders for a top-six finish as they made it seven wins in eight Premier League games.

It was a wonderful atmosphere as the home crowd were loud and proud to roar their Lions to three points, with deafening cheers echoing around the ground as John Brooks brought the full time whistle to his lips. There was a real sense of togetherness not only from those on the field of play but those in the stands.

“When Villa Park is up like that, it’s a hard team to play against,” Targett admitted via The Athletic’s Gregg Evans. “I know as a player, not many opponents like it. They make it very difficult for opposition teams. I’m happy to see them doing so well but hopefully it’s us that finish in top four,” Targett continued.

The Newcastle left-back isn’t the only one to appreciate Villa Park’s impact as manager Unai Emery was full of praise for supporters on Saturday afternoon. It hasn’t taken long at all for the Spaniard to become an incredibly popular figure, with the connection with fans building strength week after week - even after negative results.

“Football is passion,” Emery told reporters post-match. “We are trying to transmit our energy, our good skills, our qualities as a team and trying to build our idea and style. Then, of course, we need the supporters and we need to create a big atmosphere, trying to keep a positive energy for them. Listen, it’s a very good share of energy between us and them. We owe our job to them,” Emery continued.

The Lions will have to make do without the Villa Park faithful for their next outing away at Brentford this weekend, but it won’t be long until they return to home soil. Taking on top half fallaways Fulham on Tuesday, April 25, it’s just over a week to wait for what is set up to be yet another booming atmosphere.