‘Like a dream’ – Abraham relishing Villa return

February 21, 2026 No Comments

‘Like a dream’ – Abraham relishing Villa returnImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tammy Abraham is back at Villa Park after helping Aston Villa win promotion to the Premier League in 2019ByMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalist at Villa ParkPublished6 minutes ago1 Comments

Seven years after firing them into the Premier League, Tammy Abraham is back scoring goals at Aston Villa to keep their fans and manager dreaming of glory.

With Villa on the verge of losing 1-0 to Leeds United on Saturday, substitute Abraham, who had only been on the pitch for 13 minutes, guided the ball with his knee into the net to score an 88th-minute equaliser.

It was the 29-year-old’s second goal since returning to the club following his £18.2m move from Besiktas in January, after scoring in the 3-1 loss to Newcastle in the FA Cup seven days ago.

But scoring for Villa is nothing new for the 11-time England international. He netted 25 times in 37 Championship games to help the club win promotion in 2018-19 during a loan spell from Chelsea.

After his original time with Villa, Abraham had two seasons at Chelsea, three at Roma, one on loan at AC Milan and then another loan spell at Besiktas, with the Turkish club buying him to then immediately sell him to Villa for a profit.

“It feels like a dream to come back and play for this club again,” reported Abraham. “I’m happy to be here and bring extra energy.

“I had to sniff around the box, be alert, be ready. Luckily for us, I got the goal – it was in front of some of the best supporters in the world.”

Abraham equaliser earns draw for Villa against Leeds

Despite the late equaliser, third-placed Villa have now dropped seven points from their past four matches and sit seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal with 11 games to go.

Asked whether the Villa squad feel like they are title contenders, Abraham reported: “Who knows what can happen? We are not too far from Arsenal who are at the top. Unfortunately today we didn’t get the win but we just have to keep pushing.

“When I first arrived I spoke with a few of the boys, and watching from afar you can see that the team has a lot of qualities. We’re delighted to be where we are today but we are so close, so we have to just keep pushing and keep believing in ourselves.

“I’m happy to be back home. I just need to find myself a house!”

Champions League a real possibility, but title push unlikely

Emery reflects on ‘deserved draw’ against Leeds

Even though Arsenal have drawn back-to-back games, it is hard to see them or second-placed Manchester City dropping enough points for Villa to take advantage and become English champions for the first time since 1981.

Boss Unai Emery has consistently talked down his side’s chances of winning the league, last month saying even a top-five position could be beyond them.

He was quick to remind the supporters, some of whom booed the team off at half-time when they were trailing 1-0 on Saturday, that they were still enjoying a fantastic campaign.

“We are at a beautiful and fantastic moment to compete in two competitions for the remainder of the season,” he reported. “It is the moment to show our wishes and follow our dreams.

“We have a great opportunity to achieve our objectives and dream of big things. Our position in the table is enviable and we all would have signed up for it before the season began.

“The Premier League is very difficult for us, but we are third – and that’s very good. Our priority is to focus on every match. We’re third with 51 points and the next step is Wolves [on Friday].

“We’re setting our standards high and sometimes you can get frustrated, but overall our consistency is still there and we’re third because of that consistency.”

Abraham gives Emery attacking options

Tammy Abraham celebrates scoring — Image caption,

Tammy Abraham has scored twice since returning to Aston Villa

Abraham, who received a great reception from the club’s fans when he came on, played alongside Ollie Watkins, instead of replacing him.

Emery reported that was a tactic he would do again in the right circumstances, with Abraham also relishing the competition for a place.

“We spoke about it [playing together] a few times in training, and luckily we were able to grab the goal so the gaffer can see that it can work,” added Abraham.

“We know he is a top striker and he has been here for a few years and scored many goals, so it is fantastic competition to have.”

Emery was full of praise for the new recruit and added: “He left the Premier League seven years ago and now he is adapting in everything we’re demanding.

“It’s a huge commitment from him to try to help us with his qualities, and he showed it because he played 20 minutes and he was motivated, excited and scored from it.”