The former Bristol City striker played the full 90 minutes in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest at Villa Park.
While Jonathan Kodjia may not have been able to inspire Aston Villa to victory on his debut, his display in Sunday’s 2-2 home draw with Nottingham Forest was certainly encouraging to say the least.
The 26-year-old Ivorian striker was brought straight into the line-up after signing from Bristol City before the international break and made an immediate impact leading the line, looking dangerous throughout the afternoon with his pace and movement up top.
Though he failed to get on the scoresheet, the 6ft 3in front man did come close to opening his claret and blue account either side of half time with a couple of powerful headers and also teed up a great chance for Ross McCormack just after the half-hour mark which his fellow forward failed to finish.
| Vs Nottingham Forest | Total Shots | Shots Ontarget | Key Passes | Total Passes | Passing Accuracy | Aerial Duels Won | Aerial Duels Lost | Total Dribbles | Completed Dribbles | Touches | Dispossessed | Mins Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Kodjia | 5 | 2 | 2 | 19 | 84% | 5 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 40 | 4 | 90 |
In total, the lively new boy recorded five shots and two key passes over the course of his 90-minute outing, while also winning a match-leading five aerial duels and making three dribbles.
Manager Roberto Di Matteo was quick to give his performance a positive review too after the final whistle, telling the club’s official website: “He was good throughout. He was dangerous. He had two or three good chances.
“He had a good game – and a very positive impact.”
Having netted 19 goals in 45 Championship appearances for Bristol City last season, Kodjia certainly has the ability to be a major difference-maker for Villa going forward and, if his performance on Sunday was anything to go by, he should be one of the first names on Di Matteo’s teamsheet before long.
Eyebrows were inevitably raised over his £11 million price tag – especially as it could rise to a second-tier record fee of £15 million if certain add-ons are met – but few people will be questioning his signing if he goes on to help fire the claret and blues back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
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