Morgan Rogers, Jadon Sancho respond to Jimoh-Aloba’s heartwarming Aston Villa message after RB Salzburg winner
Aston Villa supporters are likely to see much more of Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba following his incredible moment against RB Salzburg.
Unai Emery’s side beat Newcastle United before welcoming the Austrian side to Villa Park on Thursday, 29 January, but it was the visitors who took control of proceedings, with a two-goal lead.
Karim Konate and Moussa Kounfolo Yeo both found the back of the net before Morgan Rogers sprung to life for Villa, and the comeback started from that very moment in the 64th minute.
Tyrone Mings has had his troubles with injury over the last few seasons, so it was a sweet relief to see his headed equaliser bulge the net, setting the game up for a grand-stand finish.
Despite making just his sixth senior appearance for the Villans, Jimoh-Aloba stepped up in the 87th minute, having replaced Jadon Sancho eight minutes earlier, sending Villa Park absolutely wild.
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba stuns Aston Villa teammates vs RB Salzburg
Lyon beat PAOK to remain top of the Europa League table, with Emery‘s side only second to the Ligue 1 giants on goal difference. But either way, it was a ginormous moment for all involved.
Taking to Instagram after his goal, Jimoh-Aloba wrote: “What at night at VP [Villa Park]! Proud to score on my European debut. UTFV,” and his teammates were clearly proud of him, too.
John McGinn has been sidelined recently, but even he responded with clapping emojis, while Sancho commented with a simple fire emoji, and Rogers wrote, “Proud of you, man,” with heart emojis.
It is a goal that Jimoh-Aloba will forever remember in his career, and at just 19 years of age, there could be a very successful one ahead of him if he produces more match-winning moments like that.
What did Unai Emery say after the match-winning goal?
Emery patted himself on the back for giving the academy gems a chance, with Kadan Young also getting a few minutes and being the one to deliver the assist for the winning goal, as well.
It was a goal created and scored from Bodymoor Heath, and reacting in his post-match press conference, the manager said: “And today they had an opportunity to play, George [Hemmings], then Jamal [Jimoh-Aloba] and Kadan [Young]. Of course, Jamal scored a goal, which was really fantastic.
With so many injuries emerging at Villa Park, it was necessary to call up some of the more successful youth products, and that will be a huge bonus for the supporters.
PSR continues to be a frustrating hurdle for the Villans, but if the club can keep developing exciting talents, the need for dipping into the transfer market becomes far less severe.
Hopefully, Emery will be able to welcome back some big names before the end of the season, but until then, fans might be seeing a lot more of the academy gems, either in Europe or the Premier League.