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How Aston Villa fans welcomed Ezri Konsa on his Villa Park return as new Zion Suzuki chant debuts

How Aston Villa fans welcomed Ezri Konsa on his Villa Park return as new Zion Suzuki chant debuts
Ezri Konsa of Arsenal against his former club Aston Villa at Villa Park - Photo via IMAGO / APL

Aston Villa supporters welcomed Ezri Konsa back to Villa Park with a largely positive reception after his summer departure from the club.

But it was new goalkeeper Zion Suzuki who stole most of the attention, with the Holte End quickly adapting a familiar chant for their new arrival.

Aston Villa fans debut new Zion Suzuki chant on Ezri Konsa return

Konsa was one of several Villa stars to leave during a summer of significant change, but there appeared to be little animosity when he returned to Villa Park with his new club, Arsenal.

The England defender was among the six Villa starters from the Europa League final triumph in Istanbul who have since departed, although his reception suggested supporters were more than willing to put those changes to one side.

Suzuki, meanwhile, made his home debut against the Premier League champions and impressed despite Villa ultimately suffering a 1-0 defeat.

The Japan international produced a particularly eye-catching save to tip Declan Rice's header over the bar, prompting the Holte End to debut a new version of a chant previously associated with Emiliano Martinez.

Instead of singing “Emi Martinez, the world's number one”, supporters sang: “The world's number one, the world's number one, Zion Suzuki, the world's number one.”

It was a notable early endorsement for the 24-year-old, who had endured a couple of nervy moments but otherwise produced an encouraging performance against the Gunners.

FGG says: Suzuki already looks ready to become a Villa fan favourite

Villa fans have clearly moved on quickly from Martinez, and adapting one of the Argentine's most recognisable chants for Suzuki is a pretty good indication of that.

The new goalkeeper still has plenty to prove, but producing a big save against Arsenal before hearing the Holte End sing his name is about as good a start as he could have hoped for.

As for Konsa, his warm reception shows that whatever changes at Villa this summer, supporters can still appreciate players who helped deliver some memorable moments in claret and blue.

Lewis joined as News and Features Editor in July 2025, having previously held senior roles at Snack Media and GRV Media. A passionate follower of sport, in particular football and golf, as well as a proud Aldershot Town supporter, he brings over six years of experience in the digital sports publishing space.

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