Onana Explains Goal Celebration and Recent Frustrations
Aston Villa’s recent 2-1 win over West Ham in the FA Cup not only secured a place in the next round but also marked a confidence-boosting performance for Amadou Onana, who stepped off the bench in the first half. Replacing the injured Ross Barkley in the 22nd minute, Onana wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring his first-ever goal at Villa Park.
In his post-match, club interview, the Belgian midfielder reflected on the significance of the game and his journey so far this season.
A Celebration With a Message
Onana’s goal celebration – a composed stare at the Villa faithful – wasn’t just for theatrics.
“I really needed this energy and the goal,” said Onana. “The little stare [celebration] was to let them [Villa fans] know I’m back!”
This statement of intent comes at a crucial juncture in Villa’s season. With both Ross Barkley and John McGinn sidelined with injury in the next few weeks, the team will be juggling FA Cup progression, trying to reignite their Premier League campaign, and to fulfil their Champions League ambitions.
Overcoming Challenges
It turns out that Onana wasn’t actually prepared to come on so early against West Ham, and was caught off guard by the suddenness of his call-up.
“Coming in was really difficult because I didn’t have any warming up,” recalled Onana. “I didn’t even see Ross [Barkley] getting injured. I managed to find my rhythm throughout the game and I’m quite happy with it tonight.”
Given his recent injury struggles and limited game time this season – 12 league starts and two substitute appearances out of 20 league games – this performance was an important step in building some momentum.
Finding His Moment
“It was very special because I’ve never scored at Villa Park so far,” added Onana, about his goal. His appearance combined with an improved performance in Villa’s midfield, signalled a much-needed return to form after a frustrating period for the player.
“The last couple of weeks for me have been very frustrating, reflected the midfielder. “I’ve been out with my injury for four or five weeks, then I came back, started enjoying it, then I had the flu, went back out the team.”
Emery will be happy that Onana is moving in a positive direction, having bought the player to offer Villa some solidity and another dimension on their Champions League journey.
Evolving as a Midfielder
Onana acknowledged that adding goals to his game has been a priority. With four goals across all competitions this season, including a crucial strike in Villa’s Champions League opener against Young Boys, the midfielder is proving his ability to contribute at key moments.
“That’s the part of my game that was missing a little bit last season, and I’m trying to add more goals to my game,” admitted the Belgian international.
Despite his primary role as a defensive midfielder, his ability to support the attack from midfield or set pieces has become a potentially valuable asset for Unai Emery’s side, that they will to seek to tap into more frequently.
UTV
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He’s come back after injury and he was sharp enough to score for us let’s hope this gives him the confidence to maintain his progress good on him.
I hear that the deal to sign Malen has been agreed and it will be interesting to see how he goes apparently he’s very fast and can score and assist let’s hope he’s clinical in front of goal we’re lacking that at the moment.
Also pleased to see that the club have announced that Duran is not for sale at any price maybe that will shut the media up for a while
.finally on a personal note I really can’t see why we are considering selling Barry he’s a goal scorer and the same age as Duran give the kid a chance with a bit of game time keep him
Yes, Malen in. Duran isn’t going anywhere this season, with Villa guaranteed knockout Champions League football and unfortunately, Barry will probably go, if a deal can be done this window.