Aston Villa’s Tammy Abraham scores their first purpose. Photograph: Reuters
BIRMINGHAM:
Tammy Abraham’s homecoming hit one other candy notice as his late equaliser rescued Aston Villa from defeat in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Saturday, protecting alive their unlikely title chase.
The striker, who returned to Villa Park final month in an 18 million kilos deal after a stint with Besiktas, grabbed his first league purpose since his return, within the 88th minute when the house aspect have been trailing.
Leeds appeared destined for all three factors after Anton Stach’s spectacular free kick, however Abraham’s late intervention means third-placed Villa stay seven factors behind leaders Arsenal.
The equaliser was Villa’s nineteenth level salvaged from shedding positions within the Premier League this season — greater than another staff.
“Like I mentioned many occasions, it appears like a dream to come back again and play for this membership once more. I am pleased to be right here and produce further power,” mentioned Abraham, who had helped Villa safe promotion in 2018-19 with 25 targets whereas on mortgage on the membership.
“I needed to sniff across the field, be alert, be prepared. Fortunately for us, I bought the purpose.”
Stach had surprised Villa Park with a second of particular person brilliance, catching everybody off guard when he stepped as much as a free kick practically 30 yards out.
Whereas Villa anticipated a cross into the crowded penalty space, the German midfielder had different plans, fizzing a shot into the highest nook on the close to publish.
“I simply got here again from harm so I did not have sufficient time to follow this,” Stach mentioned after his third purpose from a direct free kick this season.
“I noticed the goalkeeper close to the second publish and I assumed, I’d simply do it.”
However his free kick went in useless as Abraham struck when he diverted Ezri Konsa’s header from a set-piece into the online.
“We’re delighted to be the place we’re right now however we’re so shut, so now we have to only maintain pushing and maintain believing in ourselves,” Abraham added.
“Who is aware of what can occur? We aren’t too removed from Arsenal who’re on the high. Sadly right now we did not get the win, however we simply must maintain pushing.”
