Tammy Abraham's 'dream' return keeps Aston Villa in Premier League hunt

The 28-year-old, on the pitch just 13 minutes, guided a low cross into the net to salvage a point for Unai Emery's side at Villa Park.

Abraham rejoined the club in January from Besiktas for £18.2 million, and his return has been a personal dream. "It feels like a dream to come back and play for this club again," he said after the match. "I'm happy to be here and bring extra energy. I had to sniff around the box, be alert, be ready. Luckily for us, I got the goal - it was in front of some of the best supporters in the world."

This goal was Abraham's second since returning, following his strike in last week's 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Newcastle, and his first in the Premier League this season. He has long been a key figure for Villa, having scored 25 goals in 37 Championship appearances during his loan spell from Chelsea in 2018-19 that helped secure promotion. Since then, he has played for Chelsea, Roma, AC Milan, and Besiktas before returning to Villa.

Despite the draw, Villa remain third in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal with 11 games remaining. Abraham is optimistic about the club's title chances. "Who knows what can happen? We are not too far from Arsenal who are at the top. Unfortunately today we didn't get the win, but we just have to keep pushing," he said.

Abraham also spoke about the attacking chemistry with fellow striker Ollie Watkins. "We spoke about it a few times in training, and luckily we were able to grab the goal so the gaffer can see that it can work. We know he is a top striker and it's fantastic competition to have," he added.

Manager Unai Emery praised Abraham's impact, noting: "He is competing to improve our attacking third with Ollie Watkins. Today we achieved one point with his goal. This match was very difficult, but we created chances and showed consistency."

Villa now focus on maintaining their push for Champions League qualification while staying close to the top two. For Abraham, the return to Villa Park has offered not only a professional resurgence but a personal sense of coming home. "I'm happy to be back home. I just need to find myself a house," he joked. 

READ MORE: Manchester United's Michael Carrick ready for tough atmosphere at Everton