Ian Maatsen couldn’t hide his joy after Aston Villa’s victory over Newcastle United. The left-back scored his first goal for Aston Villa in the Premier League, making a significant contribution to his team’s success.
Ian Maatsen couldn’t hide his joy after Aston Villa’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Dutch left-back, who has been steadily growing in confidence and importance since joining the Birmingham-based club, scored his first Premier League goal for The Villans and played a key role in what turned out to be a memorable performance for the home crowd at Villa Park.
His joy was evident as he beamed from ear to ear while speaking to Sky Sports after the match. For Maatsen, the goal marked not only a personal milestone but also a turning point in a match that had been tightly contested up until that moment. Newcastle had equalized in the first half, but Maatsen’s well-timed strike early in the second half restored Villa’s lead, giving his side the spark they needed to take full control. Within minutes, Villa capitalized on their momentum, adding two more goals and turning what could have been a nervy finish into a commanding and confident display.
“Yeah, it was a good goal,” Maatsen said, still grinning. “I started the move and luckily Ollie (Watkins) saw me. Then I just had to finish it. Yeah, beautiful goal,” he added, visibly proud of the moment. His goal wasn’t just a highlight on the scoreboard it was a reflection of Villa’s fast, fluid attacking football and their growing maturity as a team chasing European ambitions.
The timing of the win was especially significant. Just days earlier, Aston Villa had been eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals by Paris Saint-Germain, a result that left a sour taste for both players and fans. Rather than allowing that disappointment to weigh them down, Unai Emery’s side used it as motivation. Maatsen spoke about the squad’s mindset heading into the match. “We carry that frustration into matches like this,” he said. “We still have a lot of important games in the Premier League, and we want to secure a European spot. We’re fighting for it and giving everything we have.”
“Today is very special,” Maatsen continued. “So many goals and beautiful goals too. It was really a great performance from the whole team. I’m very happy.” His words echoed the sentiments of a fanbase that has been dreaming of European nights returning to Villa Park on a regular basis. Under Emery’s leadership, Villa have become a force to be reckoned with solid at the back, dynamic in midfield, and deadly in attack.
The result against Newcastle saw Villa climb to sixth in the Premier League standings, a position that, as things stand, guarantees Europa League football next season. However, the fight for European places is tighter than ever. Chelsea, just behind in the table, could leapfrog Villa if they manage to win away at Fulham on Sunday. With only a few matches remaining, every point is vital, and every goal could make a difference.
Looking ahead, Villa’s fixture list doesn’t get any easier. Next Tuesday, they face a massive challenge as they travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City a direct rival in the race for a Champions League spot. It’s a clash that could define their season, and Maatsen knows just how important it will be. "These are the games you want to play. Big stadiums, big teams. We believe in ourselves, and we’re going there to get something," he added in a separate interview.
After the showdown with City, Villa enter the final stretch of the Premier League season with matches against Fulham, Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United all sides with something to play for, whether it be European places or survival. In between those league fixtures, Villa will also battle Crystal Palace in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, another opportunity to add silverware and further underline their remarkable season.
For Maatsen, who joined Villa from Chelsea with high expectations, this goal and performance may well be the breakthrough moment he needed. His adaptation to Emery’s tactical demands and his growing chemistry with teammates like Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and Douglas Luiz have turned him into an increasingly influential figure. If Villa are to reach their objectives whether that’s Europa League, Champions League, or FA Cup glory Maatsen’s energy, composure, and attacking flair from the left flank could be crucial.
With his first Premier League goal under his belt, a packed calendar ahead, and European dreams on the line, Maatsen’s smile isn’t likely to fade anytime soon.
