Aston Villa duo Alex Moreno and Ollie Watkins have been selected in the Premier League team of the week after our 5-0 win at Sheffield Utd.
Villa enjoyed a sensational return to form this past weekend after a recent slump, as we went 4-0 up after 30 minutes at Bramall Lane and got back to winning ways in comprehensive fashion.
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It’s hoped we can take that into a big week with Chelsea and Man Utd ahead in the FA Cup and league respectively, and it’s arguably a surprise that we are only represented by two players in Alan Shearer’s team of the week, as seen below, given the performance.
Moreno gets the nod after a much-improved display, as it was capped off with our fifth goal as he produced a brilliant finish after making the perfect run into the box to get on the scoresheet.
The Spaniard was positive throughout with his attacking play down the left flank, and coupled with a solid defensive shift, he looks to be getting back to his best form again after a lengthy injury layoff.
As for Watkins, not only did he score with a clinical finish to double our lead, but he went on to provide two assists as he was decisive in the final third yet again and became the first player in Europe’s five major leagues to register 10+ goals and 10+ assists in the league this season.
It was a superb display from the 28-year-old, and it’s hoped that having returned to goalscoring form, he can build on that now and go on a run to fire us towards our objectives this season.
Emiliano Martinez was excellent again, Douglas Luiz was majestic as his assist for Watkins was perhaps the best of the season to date, but given the Brazilian midfielder only managed the first half before being replaced, it’s fair that he hasn’t made the cut on this occasion.
Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn will all feel as though they were in with a shout, but after a recent absence from this weekly recognition, it’s nice to see a Villa contingent back in the mix and being acknowledged for their excellent work on the pitch.
Having lost our balance and rhythm in recent weeks, it was a timely confidence boost that will hopefully help us rediscover our best form with a crucial few months ahead across three competitions.
What do you make of @alanshearer's picks? 🤔
Read more on the selections here ➡️ https://t.co/8t39GuOVvr pic.twitter.com/4zhdHzCxZB
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 6, 2024
