Aston Villa’s new star was so exhilarated in his full debut against Spurs that he heard those who sang for him at the stadium.
Aston Villa’s first win in the Premier League this season at Tottenham Stadium yesterday still left some stories. For one of their new signings, Johan Manzambi, it was his full debut in The Clarets and Blue.
The Swiss international finally got the nod in the starting XI. He was deployed to take the number 10 role against Spurs, instead of defensive midfielder. It is his regular position in La Nati and Freiburg, although he could be playing even deeper as number 8 or number 6.
Consequently, Emi Buendia, who normally featured as number 10 in the previous games this season, had to operate wide on the left, at the cost of George Hemmings, who has been sidelined. Manzambi eventually responded well and contributed heavily with his goal and assist in his debut. He shared his opinion in avfc.co.uk
“That (the goal) was very important, but I heard the fans sing for me. They have good music for me! And if I can give more goals, I (will) do that.”
The 20-year old attacking midfielder was absolutely pleased and speechless with his goal in his debut.
“I have no words for that, and I hope that’s not my last goal! I saw Bouba (Kamara), he wanted to shoot! I had a good position, and then I was alone.
“I just took the ball and shot, and for me, the emotions were very amazing – for the fans, for me. I have no words for that.”
By scoring one and providing one assist in his Premier League debut, Manzambi achieved an incredible record as the second Aston Villa man who did it in history. The first one was Kevin Phillips back in August 2005 against Bolton Wanderers.
Manzambi himself had a truly positive form. Throughout the game, he created four assists with two were on target, two key passes. He then made one long balls and through ball, Both were accurate and 18 passess. The former Freiburg man also made 41 touches, one dribble, one tackle, one clearance and blocked one shot.
The Switzerland international has been pleased with the support he receives, which helps him settle with the team, on and off the pitch, especially from the senior players like John McGinn, Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings.
“I feel very confident, because the team will help me. The first day, until today, they helped me every day. I am a young player in the dressing room. Really, I am very, very happy because they helped me every day, and that’s very good for me.
He also points out the importance of this victory before the international break. It helps the team to avoid mounting pressure during the break.
“For us, that was very important, this win, because we know we don’t have a win this year, so before the national team, that was very important.
We know (when) we play away, that’s always difficult in the Premier League, and with their fans, they can push, and for us it was very important that we stayed strong and we won.
“We can go happy on the national team, and when we come back, I hope we do like today.”
Manzambi would be playing for Switzerland again after missing out the last two games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Colombia and Argentina. In the next three weeks, he could potentially feature against North Macedonia twice, Scotland and Slovenia in 2026/27 UEFA Nations League B.
The post ‘Sing for me.’ – Aston Villa new star on the reaction in his full debut appeared first on AVillaFan.com – Aston Villa Fan Site.
