Aston Villa’s victory had already sent Villa Park into celebration, but the biggest spotlight fell on Emi Buendía, who once again delivered a decisive moment. His late winner came after he stunned Arsenal with a dramatic strike, a moment SoftFootball reported in detail.
Villa’s progress under Rob Edwards has been steady, with the team also grinding out results like the narrow win over Wolves, which SoftFootball covered earlier. Those games set the tone for what Buendía described as a really happy moment after everything he has gone through.
Speaking on Aston Villa’s post-match live broadcast that was shared on the club’s official X account, the midfielder walked in smiling, though he admitted he had not even seen the dressing room yet.
He laughed, grateful but still catching his breath from the chaos of the final minutes, saying:
They grabbed me straight.
He described how he stayed alert inside the box, reacting quickly after seeing one effort blocked and a second rebound fall kindly.
He said, recalling the scramble that led to the goal:
I tried to stand up quickly, I saw some space and I’m really happy.
The presenters teased him about how every player secretly begs the ball to bounce their way in moments like that.
Buendía nodded, explaining that he forces himself to be inside the box, saying:
If I don’t get in the box, I don’t have the chance.
His confidence has clearly grown since returning from injury, and he spoke openly about how difficult that period was.
He said:
After the injury it was a really tough moment for myself, so I try to keep going, to keep believing in myself.
The midfielder added that he has been working hard to regain rhythm and contribute whenever the manager calls on him.
When asked if he was disappointed not to start, he answered honestly.
He said softly, though without frustration:
Of course.
He explained that every player wants to start big games, but he remained focused on bringing energy and passion from the bench.
He added:
If not with a goal, then with work for the team.
Buendía left the interview smiling, thanked the presenters, and headed off to more media duties. For a player who has fought through setbacks, moments like this mean a little more. And judging by his form, Aston Villa will keep needing him.
