‘It’s madness’ – Micah Richards can’t believe what Aston Villa star did in win vs Newcastle
Aston Villa got back to winning ways in the Premier League with an impressive victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Emi Buendia and Ollie Watkins both found their way onto the scoresheet as Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 on Tyneside, a result which moves Unai Emery’s side back within four points of league leaders Arsenal.
The Midlands outfit remain third in the Premier League, but are level on points with second-place Manchester City and still firmly in the title race.
It was an extremely impressive away performance from the Villans, and one man in particular shone in the centre of midfield.
Amadou Onana has one of his ‘best games’ for Aston Villa
Amadou Onana has been excellent for Aston Villa at times this season, and once again stepped up against Newcastle.
The midfielder will be a key figure for the remainder of the campaign, with Boubacar Kamara set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury.
Onana caught the eye of Micah Richards with his display at St James’ Park, with the former Villa defender quick to praise the Belgian.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Richards stated that it was one of the best performances he’d ever seen from Onana.
He said: “I thought Onana, it was one of the best games I’ve seen him play. He gobbled up absolutely everything in the middle of the park.
“Buendia on the ball, so effortless. Morgan Rogers didn’t stop running. You’ve got Tielemans just pulling the strings. It’s madness how they manage to do it.”
Micah Richards right to highlight Onana
Villa fans know that Onana is capable of putting in outstanding performances, and the 24-year-old was able to dominate the Newcastle midfield on Sunday.
He played 89 minutes, kept on the pitch by Emery until Watkins doubled Villa’s lead and put the game beyond doubt, at which point he was replaced by Victor Lindelof.
Onana was crucial in helping the visitors break up play, making eight defensive contributions, including four recoveries, two tackles and two interceptions.
However, the Belgian international also had an impact in possession, maintaining a pass accuracy of 91 per cent throughout, as well as making one key pass.
Emery called upon Onana to deliver with the likes of Kamara and John McGinn unavailable, and once again he delivered.
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