'My head is fine' - Aston Villa striker shrugs off bottle incident after Euro double

The Netherlands international was struck by a bottle hurled from the away end while he celebrated scoring the opener, as violence flared among visiting supporters at Villa Park during Thursday’s Europa League tie.

Malen then bagged what proved to be the winner just before the match was halted for around five minutes as Swiss supporters fought with police.

Speaking after the match, the 26-year-old said: “My head is fine. It is what it is. I just want to play football and help the team.”

Several visiting fans were arrested during trouble in the corner of the Doug Ellis Stand. 

Villa cruised for much of the match but were given a scare when Joel Monteiro struck late for the visitors.

Malen is Villa’s top scorer with six goals in all competitions, including three in the Europa League.

“I have played a few games in this competition. It was a good win,” he said.

“I saw Youri Tielemans on the ball. He is a great passer of the ball and he was able to find me with the cross.

“Morgan Rogers when he turns is always between the lines. If you make the run he will find you.

“There were a few times in the second half when he could have passed to me, so we are still working on that.

“We have turned things around as a team. We just have to keep this form, stay humble and work hard.”

Speaking about Malen’s performance, Villa boss Unai Emery said: “For me, the most important is he is working now and how he is getting fitter. 

“Then, he is doing his task like he we are demanding. He is getting numbers, which is fantastic. He is really performing well. Now, keep going.”