Unai Emery hailed his "exceptional" Aston Villa side, praising their attitude and commitment as they bounced back with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Having suffered a surprise defeat to Everton at home last weekend, Villa responded by moving back level on points with second-place Manchester City on Sunday and within four points of leaders Arsenal, who were beaten by Manchester United.

Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins scored in either half to give Emery's side the win, ending a run of 17 away games against Newcastle without a victory (D6 L11).

And thanks to Buendia's 19th-minute opener, Villa led at half-time in an away Premier League game for the first time this season, becoming the 18th team to manage the feat in 2025-26.

"I am so, so happy. The players were extraordinary," Emery told BBC Match of the Day. "We spoke about this match and the difficulties some teams have with their level here.

"It is the highest level we can face this season, and the players respond fantastic.

"The commitment to the fans, being so disciplined individually and collectively, got us through it. We can only help the players tactically. Out on the field, they need to show the attitude and commitment to work to the game plan, and they did it.

"Emiliano Martinez played a fantastic match. He focused on the match and his character, skills and commitment because we need every player. Really fantastic.

"Last week we lost and were so disappointed, but we can be calm again and have confidence. We were comfortable in what we were doing."

Martinez made his 200th Premier League appearance for Villa. The club have now kept 16 clean sheets in the competition against Newcastle, only recording more against Everton (25).

Newcastle generated 2.3 expected goals (xG) in the game without scoring, despite having 15 shots, with Martinez making four saves.

"We needed the goalkeeper today," Emery added to Sky Sports.

"It is extraordinary how he has his own challenge and how we needed him to feel strong defensively. He was fantastic. We did a complete match."

Villa lost some ground in the title race last weekend but have ensured they keep pace with City in the chasing pack this weekend, and Buendia noted how important it is for them to keep building momentum in a busy period.

"It's a tough schedule for us, but it is what we want to do, play in European competitions and fight for these places in the Premier League, so we have to adapt, fight, and play and recover and go again," he told BBC Match of the Day.

"I am really proud of this team. We made a huge effort on Thursday [against Fenerbahce in the Europa League], and again today.

"We have to look to be there and fight until the end. We know what we want to achieve, fighting for the Champions League spots.

"To score is always a nice feeling, but the main thing is to help the team. To open the game with that kind of goal helps the momentum of the game turn in our favour. I am really happy, and we deserved the three points."