Aston Villa just about kept their perfect start to the season going last night, thanks to a last minute victory against Leicester City.
Barkley made the headlines thanks to his 91st minute winner, however Jack Grealish was a joy to watch all evening, a sentence we’re uttering more and more.
Throughout the match Grealish’s close control and ability to break through transitions became a big problem for a Leicester side whose injury list is becoming a major concern.
Ross Barkley ensured Aston Villa made it four wins from four games this season with a win away at Leicester…
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 19, 2020
Unsurprisingly nobody on the pitch created more chances than the midfielder (4), no player completed more take-ons (8) and he also played more passes in the final third than anyone else (20).
His highlights for the night make for an extremely pleasant watch.
Jack Grealish vs. Leicester Citypic.twitter.com/pHczRqVM4W
— ً (@LSComps) October 18, 2020
It does highlight exactly why Grealish was the most fouled player in the league last season, being brought down a staggering 167 times, the most fouls won in a season by a player in the competition on record.
That being said, it’s actually pretty incredible that he doesn’t miss more games through injury.
It also makes you wonder why on earth he hasn’t been utilised more by Gareth Southgate, though we’ll save that debate for another time.
Villa now sit second in the Premier League table, taking four wins from four. Only Everton are above them by one point having played a game more. Given Dean Smith’s very savvy work in the transfer window, the early signs suggest that this season will be a much more enjoyable one than last time out.
They surely couldn’t, could they?
Featured image credit: Getty
