A morale-changing week for Aston Villa.
Only last week, it was doom and gloom following Villa’s defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but fast forward to the present, and it’s six points from six.
On Wednesday night, Unai Emery watched his side beat Brentford and now Villa beat Southampton 1-0 on Saturday afternoon to push up the Premier League table and into sixth place.
This has been much-needed for everyone involved because that eight-game winless run was starting to become a real problem.
But class is permanent for a reason and Emery now has the team firing again, although, the win over the Saints, amid the tricky weather conditions, was ugly, to say the least.
Just like the Brentford match, Aston Villa should have been out of sight and if they had scored five or six, then it wouldn’t have been a surprise.
But three points is three points, including a valuable clean sheet – only the second in the Premier League this season.
Alan Shearer hails ‘problem’ Jhon Duran after Aston Villa beat Southampton
With the games coming in thick and fast, Emery rang the changes, including starting Jhon Duran – his first Premier League start of the season – instead of Ollie Watkins.
The 20-year-old was the difference maker with his goal and Alan Shearer spoke about how he was a ‘problem’ for Southampton’s backline, as he told Match of the Day.
MORE VILLA STORIES
Shearer said Duran gave Southampton a ‘really tough’ time and his brute strength played a huge part in his well-taken goal.
“His first league start of the season,” said Shearer. “It’s actually his 50th Premier League appearance, but only his fourth start and he certainly had an impact.
“He was a problem all afternoon. He didn’t let them settle the defenders. You can say what you want about the defending.
“But the impressive thing for me about this is (Duran’s goal) that he never gives it up. He makes it difficult for the defenders. He gave them a really tough time. He (Southampton defender) should clear it, but doesn’t. Look at his strength. Really direct. Keeper comes out and makes his mind up for him. Look at his strength and ability to run with the ball. He has a little look up and he tucks it away really, really well. It’s a clever finish.”
Jhon Duran of Aston Villa scores his team's first goal past Joe Lumley of Southampton during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and So...
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Duran’s stats for Villa against Southampton
It’s a great position for Villa and Emery to be in – two strikers thriving and good enough to start in the Premier League – but Watkins is still the main man.
Duran is maturing from last season, his new contract has helped and he has now scored in his last three starts.
WhoScored rated Duran’s performance at 7.40 and he has filled in perfectly during this packed festive period, with RB Leipzig and Nottingham Forest up next.
Shots Goals Passes PA% Crosses Accurate Long Balls Aerials won Touches Rating
3 1 14 78.6 1 2 1 21 7.40
Related Posts