Emery delighted with Valencia character

Valencia manager Unai Emery has praised his side’s spirit after coming through an eventful encounter against Espanyol with three points.

Emery’s men kept in touch with third-placed Villareal on the La Liga table courtesy of Sunday’s 2-1 win at home over Espanyol, leapfrogging their opponents into fourth in the process.

But Valencia had to overcome the 60th-minute dismissal of striker Aritz Aduriz – 31 minutes after he had put his side in front – and an own-goal from Portuguese defender Ricardo Costa to clinch the win.

Juan Mata’s second goal of the season, coming in the 90th minute, made for a delighted Emery after the game.

“Today we turned things around with ten men, showing character, faith and desire,” he said.

“We had three clear chances with one man down. In general, the team put up a fight, and that was very important for us as a unit.”

Emery was less than complimentary, however, about the standard of refereeing, claiming both sides could feel hard done by.

“You have to respect the official overseeing the game, and they sometimes make mistakes – for and against you,” he said.

“(On Sunday) the referee made two mistakes: One was against us, and the other was against Espanyol on the final move. ”

“If we hadn’t have lost a man due to an unfair decision, then the game would have gone a different way.”

“Understanding that Espanyol will feel hard done by, we also feel hard done by. We have to help out the situation by, in the moments following the match, voicing our complaints.”

“We will appeal against the red card, and accept whatever decision is made.”