Ollie Watkins’ second-half brace overturned the match at the Etihad Stadium capped a strong end to a demanding campaign just days after their historic European night in Istanbul.
The Spaniard praised his team’s mentality and response under pressure, citing the significance of the result for both players and supporters.
Emery said the comeback against the Citizens reflected the squad’s character, allowing Villa to celebrate a hard-earned top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
“Today, another experience we had here, winning and how we played, how we were losing 1-0 (in) the first half and we were completely not having chances," he told Villa TV.
“The second half changed completely, the match. The second half, we were dominating, scoring goals, having chances, and we came back the result, and really fantastic to finish the season like we deserved.
“Up and down during the season, I think the players deserve and the supporters deserve to feel like we did.”