Following his arrival ahead of the permanent transfer window deadline slamming shut for an undisclosed fee from FC Ingolstadt, goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made a mixed debut for Aston Villa at the weekend against Wigan Athletic.
Great win and off to the next one!! Thank you for the wonderful reception today, it was an honor playing in front of you ???? #ØHN1 #AVFC #UTV @ Villa Park, England https://t.co/Im7t3Fy8mH
— Ørjan H. Nyland (@OrjanHNyland1) August 11, 2018
The Norwegian 27-year-old international stopper took his place between the sticks and did pull off a couple of saves, despite letting two in as we ran to a 3-2 victory with goals from James Chester, and own goal and a stoppage-time effort from Birkir Bjarnason.
Nyland’s debut could certainly have gone better as an under-hit backpass from Mile Jedinak did him no favours at all and Nick Powell equalised as a result.
Taking to social media to give his brief thoughts following his debut, plenty of fans were more than willing to turn a blind eye to that particular moment of the game, and they tipped him for big things in the coming year with a belief that he would more than makeup for whatever part he played when it came to being possibly slow off the line.
It’s a tough crowd to please at VP, Nyland, but just remember the majority of us are completely behind you. Don’t worry about the couple of wayward goal kicks, it happens. Keep improving, keep giving your all & the rest will come. #UTV
— Jb08 (@jsb_av1) August 11, 2018
Keep this momentum going!! We’re behind you. Our number 1! UTV Orjan ????????
— Aston Villa Updates (@AstonVilla_info) August 11, 2018
Don't worry about the goal Orjan, wasn't your fault. Gonna be a quality number 1 this season mate
— Jack Jennings (@Jack14AV) August 11, 2018
We Won ..and you are our Number one ..Job done .#PartOfThePride
— Jon Matthews (@Avillajon371) August 11, 2018
Great to have you on side. Time to settle in and enjoy it ????⚽️????
— Becky Boo ???? (@rhbeckyboo) August 11, 2018
Dont worry about the little mishap before half time i feel your gonna be consistent and will more than make up for that through out the season. Weldone ???? up the #AVFC
— James Pearson (@j_d_pearson) August 11, 2018
Massive team to play for, you will be our number 1, mistakes happen in matches team effort we can ensure we’re 110% behind you help get us back where we belong #UTV #PartOfThePride #GKunion
— Slaneyavfc Lille❤SKS (@paulslaney13) August 12, 2018
Welcome mate,,,, well played,,, things will all fit together nicely in time. Great attitude, great to have that in the team goal ????????
— rory_the_Lion (@rorytw) August 11, 2018
Onwards and upwards – I’m sure we’ll see much better from you as you settle in with your new team mates
— OnceaVillaman (@Penfold1806) August 11, 2018
With social media being notorious for quick easy and often anonymous, overreactions (Villa fans aren’t alone on that score) it’s pleasing to see the well wishes and the acknowledgement that he’s still settling into a new country, new teammates and a new division.
Let’s hope that understanding nature carries through for others – it certainly didn’t for Jonathan Kodjia as some fans continue to think real football is still a computer game, but each to their own.
A couple of comments talked about wayward goal kicks from the man as well – I say bring it on, the last goalkeeper we had who couldn’t take goal kicks was Mark Bosnich, and he was hardly shabby between the sticks!
From where I sit that could be a great omen for the man!