Step aside John McGinn, Aston Villa’s ‘really good’ star destroyed Fulham with just 23 passes

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John McGinn was one of the standout performers as Aston Villa beat Fulham, but another player quietly stole the show.

Unai Emery can breathe a sigh of relief as Aston Villa finally picked up three points in the Premier League.

Goals from Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Emi Buendia secured the win in a fixture that was not without controversy, with VAR decisions dominating much of the conversation.

Yet beyond the referee drama, there was a sea of impressive individual performances. McGinn earned man of the match honours, but it was Buendia who truly made an impact against the Cottagers.

Emi Buendia was sensational for Aston Villa vs Fulham

Buendia is not a name Aston Villa fans would have expected to dominate a fixture, especially coming off the bench. The Argentine replaced Harvey Elliott at half-time – a decision initially questioned by supporters.

Just 20 minutes later, any doubts were gone. Buendia looked inspired, reminiscent of the player Villa supporters had seen in his earlier days.

In a 45-minute cameo, he scored a goal, provided an assist, and injected energy into Villa’s attack.

Buendia’s goal and assist marked only the second time in his Premier League career he had achieved both in the same match (the first being against Burnley in May 2022), and the first time as a substitute.

Amid Villa’s attacking struggles this season, Buendia’s performance suggests he could still be a key solution going forward.

Buendia reflects on his Premier League performance

Speaking after the game to Sky Sports, Buendia reflected on his contribution: “Just to feel freedom between the lines, find the spaces. We got momentum and pressed high. It felt really good. Coming on at half-time, I tried to help the team as fast as possible.”

On returning to the squad after his loan spell, he added: “It is an amazing feeling right now. First Premier League goal in years due to injury, they were low moments, but I worked hard to be here again.”

Emery also praised the Argentine’s performance: “Buendia is giving us energy qualities. Elliott needs time to adapt.”

Villa now turn their attention to Burnley next Sunday, hoping to build on the momentum from this first Premier League victory of the season.