Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 17 April 2026 10:05, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Tammy Abraham made a point to Unai Emery on Thursday with his impressive cameo off the bench as Aston Villa beat Bologna.

The Villans won 4-0 courtesy of goals from Ollie Watkins, Emi Buendia, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa, and have set up a Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Abraham returned to Villa from Besiktas in January, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract in a deal worth around £18million.

The striker started his first Premier League game back, and scored in the FA Cup as the Villans were knocked out by Newcastle United in February.

But despite question marks over Watkin’s Villa form, Abraham has started just one game since and has enjoyed a total of six minutes on the pitch in the last two Premier League games.

Tammy Abraham made his presence felt in Bologna cameo

Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Villa plan to sell Watkins this summer, with just two years left on the striker’s contract.

The 30-year-old has struggled this season, and many suspected that Abraham’s arrival could see him dropped to the bench.

But Emery has placed his support in Watkins, and has been rewarded more recently with goals against Lille, Bologna and West Ham.

Abraham is expected to stay put this summer, and will hope to have more opportunities to break into the starting XI next season.

The 28-year-old appeared to prove a point with his performance off the bench against Bologna, grabbing the assist for Konsa’s goal when he flicked on the late corner.

With just 26 minutes to make an impact, Abraham did exactly that, also making two tackles and winning all but one of the duels he contested.

The former Chelsea man may have to bide his time this season, but Thursday’s showing was a knock on the door for Emery.

Abraham not ready to give up Villa ‘dream’

It has likely been difficult for Abraham, who has gone from being the first-choice striker at Besiktas to having to wait for his opportunities at Villa.

But the 28-year-old would have been aware that this was a possibility when he returned to the club, and he is willing to fight for his place.

“Like I said many times, it feels like a dream to come back and play for this club again,” Abraham said after scoring against Leeds United in February. “I’m happy to be here and bring extra energy.”

With many more performances like his one on Thursday, further opportunities should not be far around the corner.