Aston Villa enjoyed a 1-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday evening and Anwar El Ghazi was one of many players who impressed. The 25-year-old was handed his first consecutive Premier League start since New Year’s Day and bagged the winning goal to vindicate Dean Smith’s faith in him, controlling Ollie Watkins’ mishit shot to finish past Ilhan Meslier from close range.
No Villa player had as many shots on target, created as many chances, whipped in as many accurate crosses and had more successful dribbles as El Ghazi at Elland Road, leading to praise from supporters on social media who want him to start against Sheffield United on Wednesday.
Against Leeds, the Netherlands international played for 90 minutes, had 44 touches, won two aerial duels, completed 68.4% of his 19 passes, whipped in six crosses with 66.66% finding a teammate, made one tackle, had two successful dribbles, had five shots with 60% hitting the target and created three chances (WhoScored).
El Ghazi has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring seven goals (Transfermarkt). Only Ollie Watkins has bagged more goals (10) in the Premier League than the 25-year-old (6), so Dean Smith is right to give El Ghazi more starts in Jack Grealish’s absence as he’s proven himself to be prolific in the top-flight.
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El Ghazi does struggle with consistency and can put in woeful performances on occasion, but he’s one of Villa’s best option for goals and took his chance to impress on Saturday. He should keep his place against Sheffield United on Wednesday.
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