Unai Emery hails ‘special player’ after Jhon Duran sparked Aston Villa’s dramatic comeback

Unai Emery called Jhon Duran a “special player” after the 20-year-old came off the bench to score twice in a 3-3 draw with Liverpool that secured a point for Aston Villa in chasing football from the Champions League.

Villa found themselves 3-1 up shortly after the break when Jarrell Quansah headed home Harvey Elliott’s free-kick. And after Ollie Watkins’ goal was ruled out by VAR with Leon Bailey called for offside, the game looked set to die out.

But Duran had other ideas.

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“Jhon Duran is a special player,” Emery told Sky Sports. “We have to try to help him. He is a good boy and he needs a team behind him. He meets our requirements better. He was very clinical and today was important for him.”

Emery continued: “We are very proud of the season. It is not enough at the moment to finish fourth. We are preparing for Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace.

“Even after we scored the two goals we had chances. We are celebrating the season here with our supporters in Villa Park. We are only thinking about ourselves. We are preparing for the game on Sunday, everything is in our hands.

“Today we celebrate with our supporters, we have to keep working and be consistent. We have been consistent all season. The team has been mature and always consistent in our minds. Inch by inch we have done it.”

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