"I thought the match was finished": Emery's puzzling early exit before the final whistle

Aston Villa drew 4-4 at Manchester United after conceding two goals in stoppage time; Emery left the pitch before the final whistle, claiming the match was over.

Aston Villa squandered a 2-4 lead at Manchester United on Sunday, conceding two goals in stoppage time to draw 4-4. Joshua Zirkzee scored in the 90th minute and Patrick Dorgu in the 96th, prompting Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to walk down the tunnel while the VAR review of Dorgu's goal was underway. The match continued for two more minutes without him on the touchline.

Emery denied leaving in anger during a tense post-match interview with Sky Sports. When pressed about his early departure, he insisted: "They scored at the 96th minute when there were six minutes of added time. I thought the match was finished." He clarified that play resumed at 96 minutes 30 seconds, which he felt justified his exit.

The exchange grew heated, with Emery sarcastically asking if his English was clear enough.

In the press conference, Emery was more candid about his frustration. "I am angry, of course," he said. "To accept losing two goals ahead in the last minutes is difficult. I am angry at the situation, not the players. We lost the chance to take two more points." He praised goalkeeper Zion Suzuki's adaptation to the Premier League despite the defensive lapses.