'Villa were ready to sell' - Buendia earns plaudits

Emi Buendia was not expected to still be at Aston Villa by now.

Having been loaned out to Bayer Leverkusen in the second half of last season, making just three Bundesliga starts, his Villa career looked over.

A record signing when he joined from Norwich in a deal rising to £38m in 2021, the playmaker struggled to live up to the billing and scored just four goals in 38 games in his debut season.

A serious knee injury forced him to miss the whole of 2023-24 and left him in the shadows as his team-mates qualified for the Champions League.

Villa were ready to sell last summer as they looked to comply with Profit and Sustainability rules - but ultimately decided to keep the 29-year-old.

He has been one of Emery's most dependable players this season, scoring 10 goals, and is one of the reasons Harvey Elliott's loan move from Liverpool has failed.

"I took responsibility," he told TNT of the penalty." "It was one of the most decisive penalties for the club in recent years, but I didn't feel pressure. I felt calm, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

"We showed the whole season how good we can play. The result is amazing and I think we deserve it.

"I think the prestige to win a trophy, with the history this club has - it would be amazing. The fans really want this trophy for us and we will try."

Former Villa striker Dion Dublin gave Buendia praise and feels he offers something different.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Buendia goes below the radar. He plays good passes, weight of pass is good. His finishing is good.

"He's nasty too, he doesn't mind putting a foot in. He is one of those players Villa need in their side in order to achieve things. He doesn't want the plaudits, he just wants to play and get to finals."

Vibrant and victorious - read more of Nick's reflections on Villa's achievement here