In a match where Aston Villa introduced Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford off the bench, this double substitution was among the more surreal sights Villa Park has witnessed for years.
Yet it was telling where the BBC’s immediate focus lay after the FA Cup win over Tottenham on Sunday.
Having scored the goals that sent Villa through to the fifth round, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers were the two players standing pitch side fielding the questions.
Here were two Midlanders taking centre stage. Ramsey, one of Villa’s own academy products, was born in Great Barr, while Rogers hails from nearby Halesowen and came through the ranks at West Brom.
Two local lads, not only surrounded by superstars but determined to reach that level themselves.
They were speaking just after a three-time Champions League winner and an England forward with 60 caps at 27 had arrived to challenge their places in the starting line-up.
“This is one of the best squads that we’ve had,” Ramsey, 23, said.
“The depth is unbelievable and the starting players have got to raise their game now because the players that are coming on are a big threat.”
Rogers, who joined from Middlesbrough last winter, added: “It pushes us along. We also want to take what we can from the experienced players we’ve got in the squad, the things they’ve done in their career.
“Us two just starting out, setting out our careers ourselves, it’s good to take what they’ve done and try to use it to our advantage and push ourselves as well. It’s massive to have people like that in the building. It drives everyone on. Hopefully we can just push each other.”
Rogers then told Optus Sport he was “trying to be a sponge” when learning from Asensio and Rashford, admitting it is “crazy” to think he was playing League One football in 2021 and is now rubbing shoulders with a duo who have featured “at the highest level”.
On first showing, it could lead to some liquid football, as was on display against a Spurs side who gift you such space. In the long-term this could be some education for Ramsey and Rogers, meaning the the Asensio and Rashford effect can last well beyond their respective loan stays.
And when you add Donyell Malen to the mix, who by all accounts has impressed since his move from Borussia Dortmund last month and was unlucky to miss out on their Champions League knockout squad, Villa have reasons to believe this forward line can counter their injury troubles at the back.
Jhon Duran may have gone, so too Jaden Philogene (to Ipswich) and Emiliano Buendia (on loan to Bayer Leverkusen), but Asensio, Malen and Rashford joining means there has been a sprinkle of stardust with eight serious contenders competing for four places.
When fit, Ollie Watkins may find he has Rashford for competition at No 9, while Leon Bailey’s minutes on the wing could be on the wane.
Given his stop-start campaign has featured one goal and three assists in 30 appearances, that may not be a bad thing for Villa’s prospects.
The fresh impetus these signings bring also raises the question around what place there is for club captain John McGinn.
The 30-year-old has largely played on the left or right wing this season, but he lacks the pace or skill to challenge the out-and-out wingers in this squad.
His industriousness and footballing brain makes him an asset for Unai Emery, though, and it was notable the Scot started in defensive midfield against Spurs.
There he has Amadou Onana, the undroppable Boubacar Kamara, and Youri Tielemans for company. Not long ago Tielemans was seemingly the creative solution for Villa at No 10, but like McGinn he may find his attacking days are numbered.
This screams options and a chance to rotate, which is vital now Villa are juggling three competitions.
The FA Cup may have started as an afterthought, but they host Cardiff City for a place in the quarter-finals next. With Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea among the teams out, Villa are getting a whiff of Wembley as they look to end their 29-year wait for a major trophy.
The Champions League is on the horizon too, though Villa don’t play until the round of 16 in March. Their chances of playing Dortmund have increased after the German club beat Sporting 3-0 away, but equally it could Club Bruges or Atalanta up next.
Dortmund would be Villa’s biggest obstacle in their way of a quarter-final place, but what has undoubtedly helped Emery’s cause was their direct progression to the last 16.
It has allowed Villa to have a second straight midweek without a match. That means a chance to spend the whole week at training ground Bodymoor preparing for Saturday’s game against Ipswich, the first of three straight games at Villa Park in the Premier League – with Liverpool and Chelsea to follow.
Villa have therefore been allowed to take a huge, invaluable breath ahead of a big three months. Having only travelled to Wolves on 1 February, staying in the Midlands for the best part of a month helps Emery reset the focus and ground the squad, a rarity in football, especially as March heralds the return of the international break.
Zeroing in on training and solely the Premier League for the next four matches brings Villa back to their main objective: ensuring the Champions League is back in B6 next season.
Winning the Champions League would secure that, but only the biggest dreamers are considering that prospect.
Despite what has felt like a patchy season in the league, one where Champions League hangovers have taken their toll, Villa still remain in touch with the top four, with Chelsea six points ahead in fourth.
The Premier League is also in a strong position to secure an extra Champions League place. Villa’s own performances in Europe mean they have done themselves a favour in this regard, as fifth could open up, making for a tussle that could go the distance as Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth look to shock the status quo.
Villa would love nothing more. Back-to-back Champions League campaigns would solidify their place back among England’s elite, but if not there is always a fallback that could appeal to their fans.
Dropping down to the Europa League or Conference League would increase their chances of silverware. While they fell short in the Conference League last season, this squad have gained invaluable experience over the past 12 months and would be capable of righting the wrongs of last year’s semi-final exit to Olympiacos.
That, again, is the back-up option, but either way, another few months of big-game experience is on the way.
With Rashford and Asensio in tow, there are some wiser heads who have been far and beyond what this Villa side are used to. That is a tantalising prospect for all involved, not least Ramsey and Rogers – the West Midlands boys who could play a key role in finally delivering this club a cup.
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