Unai Emery feels Aston Villa have blown their Champions League top-eight chances - The 1-0 defeat was just Villa’s second from seven matches in an impressive debut season.

Ollie Watkins started the game in attack for the visitors before being joined by Jhon Duran, but Unai Emery admitted his move backfired

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has said he fears his side's 1-0 defeat to AS Monaco on Tuesday may have cost them their chance to finish in the top eight of the Champions League.

"Getting top eight is very important as we play fewer matches and we can try to enjoy it and compete at our best, individually and collectively. "But it will be very difficult."

Villa's hopes of going straight through to the Champions League round of 16 have taken a hit after they were beaten by Adi Hutter's side

Unai Emery has reminded Villa to look on the bright side despite Tuesday’s defeat at Monaco damaging their Champions League top-eight hopes.

Aston Villa 's Champions League qualification fate will go down to the final league phase match after they lost 1-0 at Monaco. Unai Emery's side could have put one foot in the last 16 had they emerged from the Principality with victory, but they succumbed to Wilfried Singo's early goal and were unable to find a way back.

Unai Emery has rejected a second attempt by West Ham to lure the forward away from Villa Park, as the club brushed off a £57million bid from the Londoners. The Hammers had previously tried to purchase the 21-year-old striker last summer, only to be turned down, and received the same response yesterday.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says his team are "very motivated" to secure direct qualification for the Champions League last 16 heading into Tuesday's crucial game