Aston Villa star ‘looked like a £50m+ player’ in victory vs Newcastle – ‘An absolute colossus’
One Aston Vila star justified his transfer fee with a performance which impressed the fans in victory at Newcastle.
Emi Buendia and Ollie Watkins scored as Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to boost their title hopes, with Arsenal losing to Man United.
It was a first victory for Aston Villa at St James’ Park since a 3-0 win in the 2004-05 season, with the club back to winning ways in the Premier League.
Unai Emery’s side are now just four points behind the Gunners, and only behind second-placed Man City on goal difference.
Amadou Onana stuns fans in Newcastle win
Amadou Onana returned to the pitch after a spell on the sidelines in Aston Villa’s 1-0 win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League in midweek.
Emery decided to start the 24-year-old against Newcastle, and was rewarded for his selection, with supporters seriously impressed by Onana’s display.
Aston Villa signed Onana from Everton for £50million in 2024, and supporters believe he looked a player of that calibre against Newcastle.
Onana made the most interceptions of any player, won four ground duels, won two tackles and accurately completed 90% of his passes during his 89 minutes on the pitch.
Fans believe the Belgian international can now play a key part in Aston Villa’s second half of the season, with midfield partner Youri Tielemans having picked up an injury at Newcastle.
Aston Villa close to completing signing
Emery will have been delighted to have seen Ollie Watkins back on the scoresheet after four games without a goal in all competitions.
Watkins’ late strike took his tally to eight for the season in 32 appearances, with Emery looking to support the 30-year-old with a late January signing.
Aston Villa could soon announce the signing of Tammy Abraham, who will join the club from Besiktas after spending the first half of the season on loan at the Turkish club from Roma.
Abraham wanted to move back to the Premier League, and to Aston Villa, where he spent a season on loan from Chelsea in the 2018-19 campaign.
The 28-year-old will replace Donyell Malen who has departed Villa Park in January, with Watkins currently the only senior striker available to Emery.