---
title: "Ibrahim Mbaye delivers assist on first Aston Villa start"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/17/ibrahim-mbaye-aston-villa-first-start-assist/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-09-17T07:38:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T10:56:17Z"
---

# Ibrahim Mbaye delivers assist on first Aston Villa start

Ibrahim Mbaye marked his first Aston Villa start with an assist as Unai Emery’s side beat Coventry City 3-1.

The winger supplied the corner for Ross Barkley’s 40th-minute header, restoring Villa’s lead before half-time.

That contribution came at an important moment. Victor Torp had cancelled out Tammy Abraham’s opener, but Mbaye’s delivery allowed Barkley to put Villa back in front.

[The Guardian’s match report](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/16/coventry-aston-villa-carabao-cup-third-round-match-report) described an inswinging corner that found the unmarked midfielder at the near post.

Abraham later added his second goal to secure Villa’s place in the Carabao Cup fourth round.

## Ibrahim Mbaye earns Emery praise

Mbaye joined Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Matteo Ruggeri in making full debuts, with Villa confirming the trio’s selection in their [official team news](https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2026/september/16/prematch-coventry-city-v-aston-villa-team-news/).

Emery welcomed the winger’s performance afterwards. In comments reported by [Jacob Tanswell](https://x.com/J_Tanswell/status/2100341723993882813), the manager said: “Mbaye also responded well.”

The assist gives Mbaye a concrete contribution to build on. His delivery helped decide a match in which Villa needed a response after conceding their early advantage.

## Tottenham selection is the next question

Our [confirmed Coventry line-up](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/09/16/coventry-vs-aston-villa-confirmed-lineups/) showed Mbaye starting alongside George Hemmings and Abraham.

Whether he retains a place against Tottenham remains Emery’s decision. A productive cup appearance strengthens his case for further involvement without settling the weekend selection.

For Villa, there is encouragement in a new attacking option making an immediate contribution on his first start. Mbaye now has a performance, an assist and his manager’s praise to build on.