It may be a bit early for the pantomime season but the Holte End enjoyed acclaiming their heroes and villains as Aston Villa won at home for the first time this season with their biggest victory in European competition. Every touch for Mason Greenwood, playing his first game in England since January 2022, was booed, but even louder applause was reserved for Aston Villa’s rediscovered attacking prowess. Johan Manzambi celebrated his 21st birthday by opening the scoring on his first Champions League appearance, before Nicolas Jackson took the game beyond Fenerbahce’s reach with two more goals before half-time to help banish any fears about playing in front of the demolished North Stand.
With Prince William cheering on from the stands, Ross Barkley made this a night to remember as he scored twice, the first goal from a penalty earned by Manzambi, and Tammy Abraham helped Villa score six in a game for the first time since beating Brighton in 2023. No team has won more games (15) in European competition since the start of last season. Villa’s supposed hex about playing in front of the empty North Stand was put to bed as they scored three times at the end of the ground that is being redeveloped this winter.
Chants of a less salubrious nature were also given regular renditions. This was the former England forward’s first game in this country since he played in Manchester United’s 1-0 win against West Ham United in nearly five years ago. Greenwood was charged in 2022 with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the case in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew their involvement and new material came to light. The player had denied the charges. He had played for Marseille in a friendly against Villa 14 months ago, when he allegedly spat at Amadou Onana.
So it was no surprise when his name was booed as the teams were announced and at every subsequent involvement. Far more palatable was the freedom with which Villa played. Jackson now has five goals for Unai Emery’s team since signing from Chelsea for £65m in the summer while Manzambi, a £59.5m capture from Freiburg, was a joy to watch in the No 10 role, combining deft touch with wiry physicality.
That’s very nice for me.” The Switzerland international composed himself to score after Mattéo Guendouzi had inadvertently headed on John McGinn’s cross following a short corner. Zion Suzuki twice saved well from Vedat Muriqi but Villa created umpteen chances themselves. Jackson, collecting Boubacar Kamara’s pass, struck home cleanly from the edge of the penalty area just after the half-hour mark before repeating the trick six minutes before the interval.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
