Keown Praises Aston Villa Midfield Star for Performance Against Go Ahead Eagles
Aston Villa faced off against Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League on October 23, 2025. The match saw Villa take an early lead but ultimately ended in a draw as the teams went into halftime level at 1-1.
Match Overview
Evann Guessand scored his first goal for Aston Villa just four minutes into the game. He capitalized on a rebound from a cross, giving his team an early advantage. However, the Eagles responded before halftime, with Mathias Suray finding the net after bypassing Villa’s defense.
The match took place at De Adelaarshorst, where Aston Villa was expected to assert their dominance. Despite strong offensive play, Villa struggled with defensive lapses that led to conceding the equalizer.
Key Player: Amadou Onana’s Stellar Performance
Amadou Onana has faced scrutiny for his performances this season, yet he shone during the first half against Go Ahead Eagles. He orchestrated key plays, including a remarkable pass to Jadon Sancho, which ultimately set up Guessand’s opening goal.
- Onana’s contributions included:
- Driving the ball forward with confidence.
- Demonstrating vision with a precise weighted pass.
Commenting on Onana’s performance during the broadcast on TNT Sports, Martin Keown acknowledged his pivotal role, stating, “There is an element of luck about the finish, but it was a wonderful through pass by Onana.”
| Amadou Onana Stats | Matches | Pass Accuracy | Duels Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 4 | 83.5% | 65.5% |
Despite previous criticisms following a poor performance against Spurs, Onana’s display against Go Ahead Eagles showcased his potential and importance to Aston Villa’s campaign.
Looking Ahead
Aston Villa’s Europa League journey continues as they aim to maintain their perfect start. Coach Unai Emery, who has a proven track record in this competition, will need his team to capitalize on their strengths in the second half against a resilient Go Ahead Eagles squad.
Villa has already navigated challenging fixtures, having faced teams like Bologna and Feyenoord. As the competition progresses, Onana’s role will be vital in unlocking defenses and sustaining Villa’s momentum in the league.
