Unai Emery lifts lid on 'issue' with Everton skipper Seamus Coleman

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has admitted he had a minor issue with Everton captain Seamus Coleman's behaviour during the 0-0 stalemate at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.

Seen having stern words in the first half, Emery and Coleman had a small confrontation on the touchline before the pair went on their separate ways. It was only a brief moment but one that caught the attention as managers and players don't often exchange verbal blows.

"We didn’t speak a lot, just a little bit. I had a small issue with Coleman at the start, but it was OK," Emery admitted during the post-match press conference. "We were asking and demanding one ball for us, but it was not relevant. I respect him. I respect Everton and the coach," Emery assured.

It wasn't just that instance that saw the Villans and the Toffees in irate discourse as there were countless player confrontations after fouls given by referee David Coote. It was a very stop-start affair, with both teams struggling to gain any real control in the centre of the park.

Goodison was eerily quiet for much of the fixture, while the travelling Villa support was audibly frustrated at the regularity of Coote's free-kick awards. Emery and Sean Dyche had the odd moment of visible exasperation, too, but that's typical of a goalless draw.

Villa have plenty of time to cool off as there are 12 days until the next outing, away at Chelsea in the FA Cup third round replay. The squad will have several days away from training, providing an opportunity to refresh ahead of the rest of the season.