Amadou Onana slammed as ‘lucky’ Aston Villa admission emerges after Everton win
Noel Egan believes Aston Villa were “lucky” to claim a 3-2 victory over Everton on Saturday (14 September).
The ex-FIFA official blasted Amadou Onana after the midfielder gave the ball away for Everton’s opening goal.
Dwight McNeil dispossessed the former Everton man before running through and scoring. As a result, Onana was hooked at half-time, and Villa were able to come from two goals down to secure all three points.
But Egan – speaking exclusively to Villa News – thinks things might have been different on another day.
“Onana should have been stronger in that moment,” Egan said.
“In this day and age, when players come under a robust challenge, it seems as though they feel they will get the decision if they go down and hold their ankle for example.
“However, I agree with the referee in this situation. Onana got the ball caught between his legs, it was almost like Everton had set a trap for the midfielder and he got caught.
“McNeil being that far infield was not usual. I thought it was a very good goal and it looked as if they set a trap for Villa in that moment.
“It was good tactical play from the Toffees and it resulted in a good goal. Therefore, I didn’t see anything which suggested there was a kick or any contact that was worthy of rewarding a free-kick to Villa.
“I actually thought Everton’s tactics were really good. Therefore, Villa were lucky to come away with the win on this occasion.”
Amadou Onana must improve after poor display against Everton
Onana was not at his best against the Toffees. Therefore, Emery was right to hook the Belgian at half-time.
Perhaps the pressure of playing against his former club got to him, or it was just an off day. However, whatever the case, Onana will need to improve.
Villa got away with one against Everton and Emery will hope to see much more convincing performances going forward, especially with the UEFA Champions League set to get underway.
In other Aston Villa news, the club have been backed to offer a brand-new contract to one player after an “incredible” moment against Everton.
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