There was a moment midway through the second half at Villa Park when the crowd began to chant one name. “Malen! Malen! Malen!” echoed around the ground, not as a plea but as a celebration. Donyell Malen, the Dutchman who has flitted in and out of Unai Emery’s plans since arriving from Borussia Dortmund, had just slammed home his second of the afternoon. It was a goal of such conviction and timing that it felt like a statement, not just of individual intent but of collective resurgence.
Embed from Getty ImagesVilla’s 2–1 win over Burnley was our fourth on the bounce in all competitions and marked Emery’s 150th game in charge. It was also his 80th victory, a milestone reached faster than any manager in the club’s modern history. Yet it was Malen’s performance that stole the show. Having started just three league matches prior to this one, he seized his opportunity. The first goal was all about instinct and balance, a deft touch across Martin Dubravka after Boubacar Kamara’s defence-splitting pass. The second, a thunderous strike into the far corner after a clever ball from Morgan Rogers.
Rogers, too, deserves credit. The young midfielder was at the heart of both goals, first gliding past Burnley’s captain Cullen and then Laurent to feed Kamara, before threading a pass through for Malen’s second. It’s not been easy for Rogers this term, but it’s these moments that remind us of his qualities.
Burnley, for their part, were spirited but ultimately undone. Lesley Ugochukwu’s late header gave them hope, but it was fleeting. The visitors have now conceded 15 goals in the league, just one shy of their entire tally from last season’s Championship campaign. Scott Parker, overseeing a side still finding its feet after a summer of upheaval, admitted as much. “We looked a bit young,” he said, referencing the 14 new signings, six of whom started at Villa Park.
Villa’s own defensive frailties briefly resurfaced when Ugochukwu found space to nod home Hartman’s cross, the ball slipping through Emi Martínez’s legs. But the Argentine, returning after missing the midweek Europa League win in Rotterdam, had earlier produced a good save to deny Cullen and was largely assured.
There was late concern when Emi Buendía, introduced for John McGinn, was forced off deep into stoppage time after a blatant elbow from Zian Flemming. The concussion protocol was triggered, and Emery later confirmed the midfielder was recovering well.
Embed from Getty ImagesMood Transformed
The mood around Villa Park is transformed from the gloom that followed the September international break. Back then, a 3–0 defeat to Crystal Palace had left supporters questioning Emery’s methods. Now, with four wins in a row and a squad beginning to hum with cohesion, the Spaniard looks vindicated.
The next fortnight offers a chance to integrate Harvey Elliott, and perhaps finally see more of Jadon Sancho. The illness that kept him out again will be monitored, but Emery’s tone suggests patience rather than frustration.
Most importantly, this was another welcome win, and this was Villa’s day. A week on from being branded “lazy” (lost in translation perhaps) by Emery after the draw at Sunderland, the response has been emphatic. The true test lies ahead, with Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool looming after the break. For now, supporters can be happier in a Villa side rediscovering its belief, and perhaps its ambition.