Bertrand Traore scored the winning goal for Aston Villa in the thrilling comeback against Leicester City on Tuesday night. The man who wasn’t even in the Birmingham club’s plans at the start of the season scored the goal which could prove essential in their race for the best league position in the last decade.Christian Atsu with the winner at the London Stadium in a 3-2 win over the Hammers in 2017. ❤️🔙 #WHUNEW pic.twitter.com/biT8i9cpFC— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 5, 2023 It was the 27-year-old Burkinabe’s first goal for the Villans in nearly two years. The 2-1 victory propelled Villa into the European positions, with Unai Emery’s side unbeaten in their last six league games. The forward only returned to England in late January when Emery realized his attacking options were restricted and recalled the forward from Istanbul Basaksehir.##NAJAVA_MECA_7153018##The emotional night for the Burkina Faso international got even more so when he spoke to the reporters and remembered the late Christian Atsu, his friend who lost his life in the tragic earthquake in Turkey. Traore and Atsu last met in November, where they were playing in the first half of the Turkish Super Lig season.”We talked for like 30 minutes after the game. I was close to him. It was devastating news for me and tough times. We tried to speak with his close friend to get some news, but he wasn’t alive anymore. It is difficult for his family and his friends. But I believe in God, and the only thing I can do is pray for him. I hope he will rest in peace and God will protect his family and children. I will always have him in my heart.”Stop scrolling. Watch this.A special Bertrand Traoré winner. 😍 pic.twitter.com/sfFJ8NVyko— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 4, 2023 The winning goal was a pleasing moment for Traore – probably the highlight of his career in the Premier League.”Great win, three points and I’m on the scoresheet again, so I’m very happy. It’s always what you dream about when you come on as a substitute, try to make an impact, try to help the team. I was coming in, and we were drawing 1-1, we really wanted to win. I tried to help the team as much as possible. I was happy, I was also lucky that I was rewarded with the winning goal. So, I’m happy for the team. We have a good squad of players and friends, so we are in a good way, and we are in a good place.””Firstly, I want to remember our supporters. I can’t forget them and how they are pushing us.”We are very happy with Bertrand Traoré. He’s a very appreciated man in the dressing room.” 🥰 @UnaiEmery_ pic.twitter.com/xDb2fxdSBr— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 4, 2023 It is unclear what the future holds for Traore, with Emery likely to add more quality in the forward positions. The Burkinabe will soon enter the final 12 months of his contract.
