Following Aston Villa’s 1-0 win over Arsenal, both Diego Carlos and John McGinn have been named in the Premier League team of the week.
It was a brilliant week for Villa after we secured wins over both Manchester City and the Gunners in the space of four days, which in turn has helped us solidify our place in the top four in the standings.
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There was concern that we wouldn’t be able to replicate the exceptional level of performance we saw in midweek against City when Arsenal visited this past weekend, but there was another big shift from the players to claim all three points.
While others had a fair argument in favour of being included in the Premier League team of the week too, it’s Carlos and McGinn who get the nod, and deservedly so.
Carlos was decisive in defence as aside from key clearances off the line to preserve our lead, he was effective throughout in containing Arsenal’s threat, while providing composure and quality in possession too with our midfield being pressed and not having time to dictate and control in the way we would like.
As for McGinn, not only did the Villa captain score the winning goal with a smart finish, but he was relentless yet again with his defensive work as he showcased great tenacity, energy and determination throughout.
Having combined that with a key role in possession too as he helped us create openings and cause the Arsenal defence problems, he was an almost certainty to be named in the XI below this week.
Like so many other key individuals in the Villa squad, McGinn has stepped up a level under Unai Emery, and while he is a big presence most weeks in setting the tone and standard for the rest of the team, he’s finding more consistency in the final third too with important goal contributions.
Alan Shearer's Team of the Week features a strong @afcbournemouth influence 🍒
Who would be in your side for Matchweek 16? pic.twitter.com/LhQiimFte6
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 11, 2023