How Aston Villa fans reacted when Ezri Konsa’s name was called out ahead of kick-off

Ezri Konsa was named on the Arsenal bench tonight at Villa Park.

Mikel Arteta could have handed the former Aston Villa man his debut against his former club, after signing him for £55million.

However, the Arsenal manager opted to stick with Cristhian Mosquera alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, having kept back-to-back clean sheets against Manchester City and Coventry.

But the reaction Konsa received from the Villa fans before a ball was kicked was interesting.

Aston Villa fans applaud Ezri Konsa’s name being called out

When Konsa’s name was read out among the Arsenal substitutes ahead of kick during the team announcements, the Aston Villa faithful actually responded with applause.

The Athletic’s Art de Roche noted it on X, describing it as “a pleasant surprise in a world where boos would have been expected.” And it is. Football can be a ruthlessly unforgiving place, particularly when a fan favourite leaves for a rival.

Konsa made 286 appearances for Villa before making the switch to North London, and was a key part of their Europa League triumph last season.

And the reaction to Konsa tonight — at least before the game — suggests the Villa fans see him as a player who gave everything during his seven years at the club.

Losing him will have no doubt hurt, but it seems he’s still somewhat admired and respected in the Midlands.

Whether those same fans will be as warm if he comes off the bench tonight remains to be seen.