Troy Deeney has praised Aston Villa star Amadou Onana for his standout display in the 4-0 win over Bournemouth, saying the Belgian midfielder was 'at the heart' of the victory.
Unai Emery’s side returned to winning ways on Sunday with an emphatic home performance, as goals from Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley, Donyell Malen and Onana himself secured a dominant victory.
While Buendia was praised for a 'sublime' performance after opening the scoring, Onana added the hosts’ second with a low shot past Djorde Petrovic in the first half.
The midfielder impressed in his defensive and transitional duties as well, making four clearances, two recoveries and winning six of his 10 duels while maintaining a 78% pass accuracy.
Troy Deeney Lauds Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana
Deeney, writing for the BBC, included Onana in his Team of the Week alongside Buendia, praising the Belgian midfielder for a dominant display:
“A massive 4-0 performance from Aston Villa against a very good Bournemouth side and he was at the heart of it. Breaking things up, gliding through the midfield with those big powerful legs. Gets himself on the scoresheet as well.”
Onana scored his first Premier League goal of the season and his sixth since joining the West Midlands club from Everton in the summer of 2023.
The Belgian made only his sixth start of the campaign, having dealt with a hamstring injury throughout September, helping Villa secure their fifth victory in the last six league games.
Emery’s side also registered their fourth consecutive win at Villa Park, climbing to sixth in the Premier League table, above Bournemouth, defending champions Liverpool and Manchester United on goal difference.
The 4-0 victory marked another outstanding display for Buendia, who registered his fifth goal contribution of the league campaign –more than any other Villa player.
The Argentine midfielder, who spent time on loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season, has been instrumental for Emery lately, while star striker Ollie Watkins continues his dry spell.
The England international has scored just once in 16 appearances for Villa this term, in the 3-1 win over Fulham in September.
Following the international break, Villa will visit Leeds in the Premier League on November 23, before welcoming Swiss side Young Boys in the Champions League four days later.