'First body part which came to mind' - Tammy Abraham opens up on goal and Aston Villa title hopes

The striker redirected Ezri Konsa’s header into the top corner to earn Unai Emery’s team a late 1-1 draw over Leeds and maintain their advantage over the chasing pack in the race for a top-four finish.

Villa, trailing to Anton Stach’s superb free-kick, had been struggling to break down the visitors before Abraham came off the bench to net an 88th minute leveller.

He said: “I just had to sniff around the box. Just be alert, be ready. 

“I didn’t know how to make a connection with the ball, but the first body part that came to mind, I used. Luckily for us I got the goal.”

Abraham’s goal was his second since joining in an £18.2million move from Besiktas last month and his first in the Premier League since scoring for Chelsea on Boxing Day 2020.

The draw maintained Villa’s six-point advantage over his former club, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Burnley.

Abraham, however, believes Villa should not give up on their title ambitions despite missing the chance to move within five points of leaders Arsenal.

Emery’s men have won just three of their last eight top flight matches but the 28-year-old said: "Who knows what can happen? We are not too far from Arsenal who are at the top. Unfortunately we didn't get the win on Saturday but we just have to keep pushing.

"When I first arrived I spoke with a few of the boys and watching from afar you can see that the team has a lot of qualities. 

“We're delighted to be where we are but we are so close, so we have to just keep pushing and keep believing in ourselves.”

Abraham’s performance and attitude earned praise from Emery, who brought the striker off the bench in the 75th minute with Villa seeking a leveller.

The 28-year-old strengthened his case to start Friday night’s derby at Wolves ahead of Ollie Watkins, who has netted just once in his last 10 appearances.

“He is adapting again because he left the Premier League to Italy and Turkey,” said Emery of Abraham.

“He is adapting again to everything we are being demanding of. 

“We are trying to exploit his qualities. The duels are also stronger in the Premier League with the players. We have to fight a lot of duels. 

“His adaptation is going well because his commitment is a huge commitment to try to help us as much as possible with his qualities and wishes. 

“On Saturday he showed it. He played 25 minutes being motivated and excited - he scored for it.”