Unai Emery named his son on the Aston Villa bench for their final day clash with Crystal Palace.
Villa have already secured a top four finish, meaning that they’ll be playing Champions League football next term, while also being embroiled in something of an injury crisis.
And Emery has opted to name his son, Lander Emery, in the squad for their clash at Selhurst Park.
The 21-year-old is a goalkeeper who has played six times in Premier League 2 this term.
Usual first choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is among the players missing for the contest with Crystal Palace.
As a result, Robin Olsen started between the sticks with Emery named on the bench, along with Villa’s usual third-choice goalkeeper Joe Gauci.
READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUE
Lander was once on the books of Spanish side Valencia before moving to Villa Park on a free transfer in January this year.
Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, Matty Cash, Nicolo Zaniolo and Morgan Rogers also missed the final match of the season, meaning that Emery Jr was joined by a number of his youth team teammates.
Teenagers Finley Munroe, Omari Kellyman and Kaden Young were also named in the matchday squad.
While there was nothing to play for for Villa, it was an afternoon that didn’t go to plan with Jean-Philippe Mateta giving Palace the lead with his 17th goal of the season. Palace’s in-form marksman then doubled Palace’s lead on 39 minutes.
Eberechi Eze then appeared to put the game beyond doubt with Palace’s third goal of the game on 54 minutes.
However Palace weren’t done as they ran out 5-0 winners and earned a 10th-place finish in the process.
News Summary:
- Aston Villa boss Unai Emery names son on the bench for final game of the season
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.