Villarreal beat CA Osasuna with a solid performance and a brace from Arnaut Danjuma
Villarreal beat CA Osasuna (2-0) at the Ciutat de València. The Yellows took all three points thanks to a strong performance from UNAI Emery’s side, who found an exceptional goalscorer in Arnaut Danjuma.
Monday football at the Ciutat de València. Villarreal hosted Osasuna with their sights set on breaking their four-game winless run in the league and pushing themselves back into the European places. The Submarine had some notable absentees. In addition to Juan Foyth and Gerard Moreno, Emery was without other vital players such as Francis Coquelin, Kiko Femenía, Étienne Capoue and Gio Lo Celso. Faced with this situation, the Yellows head coach opted to introduce players such as Aïssa Mandi and Manu Morlanes into the starting XI.
Soon after kick-off, Osasuna had two long-range shots that Gero Rulli saved brilliantly. The Submarine’s first big chance took a little longer to arrive. In the 23rd minute, David García denied Alfonso Pedraza from a dangerous cross when Álex Baena was waiting to put the visitors ahead. Ten minutes later, the referee failed to give a possible penalty for a challenge on Álex Baena, who was brought down by Torró as he was heading towards goal.
As the minutes progressed, Villarreal were causing danger in the Osasuna box. The Submarine’s persistence and good work was rewarded on the verge of half-time. In a counter-attacking move initiated by Baena, Nico Jackson drove at great speed, stepped into the box, got away from Aridane with ease and passed to Danjuma, who, with a back-heel, beat Herrera and brought the almost 10,000 fans present at the Ciutat de València to their feet. The Dutchman had scored a great goal.
Four minutes into the second half, Sergio Herrera struck Álex Baena in the face as he tried to get on the end of Pedraza’s cross. From the spot, Danjuma scored the second goal for Villarreal.
In the 71st minute, the pitch rose to its feet to give a standing ovation to Alberto Moreno, who came on after more than seven months out with a serious knee injury. The Andalusian defender was back in the squad for Emery.
In the closing stages, Villarreal could have extended their lead through quick counter-attacks, but were unable to get another goal. In the end, the Submarine came away with the win at the Ciutat, which puts them in seventh place with 15 points.
Line-ups:
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Mandi, R. Albiol, Pau, A. Pedraza; Yeremy (Alberto M., m.71), Parejo, Morlanes (M. Trigueros, m.84), Álex B.; N. Jackson (A. J. Morales, m.64), Danjuma (Chukwueze, m.71).
CA Osasuna: S. Herrera; Nacho Vidal, Aridane, David García (Manu Sánchez, m. 77), Juan Cruz; Moncayola, Torró (Aitor, m. 64), Darko; Chimy Ávila (Rubén García, m. 64), Kike G (Budimir, m. 77), and Moi Gómez (Abde, m. 64).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 42: Danjuma. 2-0. Min 52: Danjuma (p).
Referee: González Fuertes. Booked: R. Albiol, M. Trigueros (Villarreal CF); Darko, Juan Cruz, Aimar, S. Herrera, Kike G., Rubén García (CA Osasuna).
Matchday information: Match between Villarreal CF and CA Osasuna, corresponding to Matchday 9 of the 2022/23 LaLiga Santander 2022/23, held at the Ciutat de València. Attendance: 9,699.
