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Dean Smith’s side go into the international break in the play-offs, and fans can dare to dream as we hit the run in. But what did we learn from our strong 3-0 win against Middlesbrough?
Words by @FindFoy
Aston Villa brushed fellow play-off contenders Middlesbrough aside at Villa Park this afternoon with a dominant 3-0 win. Goals from Anwar El Ghazi, John McGinn and Albert Adomah sealed all three points for the home side.
But what did we learn after the dominant display?
Confident Back Four
Ahmed Elmohamady and Neil Taylor are playing some of the best football of their Aston Villa careers either side of Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause and the entire back four look confident.
This is showing in the results too, as Aston Villa have only conceded once in their last four games.
McGinn Rest Worthwhile
The Scottish midfielder missed two games due to suspension and made a brief appearance in the Second City Derby that turned the game completely in Aston Villa’s direction.
Since then, he’s scored three goals – two against Forest and one today against Middlesbrough, and has looked as energetic as he did early in the season. The rest did him well.
Jed’s Head Baby, Jed’s Head
Jed Steer really hasn’t had that much to do over the last four fixtures, but today showed that he’s in the right frame of mind as he continued to command his area well.
A few crosses or corners were punched easily away, and he even rushed out to slide a ball out for a throw early into the game. His confidence is growing game by game which can only be good.
Substitutes Worked Once More
Dean Smith has made some smart substitutions in his time as a manager, and today was no different. With Abraham’s exit, it was due to a knock, but the replacement of Anwar El Ghazi and Andre Green for Keinan Davis and Albert Adomah worked – as shown by the third goal.
Davis looked strong and sharp, and Adomah was his usual tricky self, and the third goal came from a strong shot by Keinan which spilled into the path of Albert who poked it home.
Do You Want to Bet Against Us?
Aston Villa go into the international break in the play-offs and look to be in great form – hopefully the break doesn’t derail the great momentum that we’ve built over the last four games.
Either way, things are looking good. Do you want to bet against us?
