I always liked Tommy Johnson when he was with us. He wasn’t the most talented or prolific forward but he seemed to have unlimited self belief and optimism and that seemed to rub off on other players when he played.For me that’s Emi Buendia. Keeps going. Works really hard, head doesn’t go down if things don’t come off just constantly tries to make things happen. I’m glad he’s still at the club and getting more time around the team.He stayed on the ground for 10 seconds today after getting dispossessed but I love his attitude
When Buendía came on, I wasn't so sure. When he lost the ball 4 times in under 2 minutes, I was full of despair. Five minutes after that he had a goal and an assist, and I had nothing left to say.
Tommy Johnson used to be physically sick before a game and I remember a game being held up because he chucked up on the pitch.
Good thing we're only in the Europa then
Emi BuendiaMore than a few strays have been aimed in his general direction already this season but Buendia has often seemed alone in his willingness to see Aston Villa’s situation as an opportunity rather than a predicament.While others have bemoaned the PSR overlords, complained about the shackles placed around them and wilfully ignored that ludicrous revenue-to-wage ratio, Buendia has sought to provide solutions instead of more problems.Already given about three times more Premier League minutes in 2025/26 than in the last two seasons combined, Buendia has knuckled down and maximised the chances which would never have fallen his way had Villa been able to spend what they please – and more importantly found a buyer for the Argentine as they had clearly hoped.Buendia’s mere presence in the side was for many a negative reflection of their squad-building issues in toeing the financial line. Even his introduction for Harvey Elliott against Fulham was polarising, a decision Unai Emery might have suspected would go down as well as a Fabian Delph tribute video at Villa Park.But within six minutes the mood was transformed as Buendia became the fastest half-time substitute in Premier League history by quite some margin to score and assist after coming off the bench.Emery was right to think his “energy” would help, but the key part is that Buendia “wanted to stay, be involved and work for Aston Villa”. That has not applied to many at the club since the summer but that win could turn the tide.