It’s been a fantastic end to 2020 for Aston Villa. The Villains finished the final month of the year unbeaten, collecting 11 points from their five league games. One man who played a huge role in that run is winger Anwar El Ghazi. The in-form Dutchman has found his scoring touch and a new lease of confidence.
Brought in from the cold, the El Ghazi had a terrific month, scoring five goals in five games. He is in the form of life having already beaten his goal tally for last season and we are not halfway through the season. Five goals from eight games playing as a winger is impressive by any standard.
His form has been integral as Villa continue to climb the table and assert themselves as genuine European contenders. Dean Smith’s side face a tricky run of games to start 2021 but they will be full of confidence.
Anwar El Ghazi Form Key for Aston Villa
Five Goals in Five Games for the Winger
Prior to December, El Ghazi had made just three Premier League appearances with Trezeguet and Bertrand Traore preferred. He had also not started a game, meaning all his appearances had been from the bench. But it was an introduction from the bench which started El Ghazi’s terrific run.
He stepped off the sidelines to secure Villa a derby victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, snatching three points right at the death. Since then, El Ghazi has grown with each passing game and certainly is Villa’s main man in form.
While he didn’t score in Villa’s next game against Burnley, he was a real threat from all areas. He was denied by Nick Pope and the crossbar as Villa pushed and pushed for victory. Ultimately, it ended goallessly but El Ghazi impressed on his first start of the season.
A First Class Performance Against West Bromwich Albion Continued El Ghazi Form
Villa crowned a busy week with how they started it – a local derby. The Villains made the four-mile journey to the Hawthorns worthwhile as they stormed to a fifth away win of the season. Once again, Villa’s in-form man impressed with two goals.
El Ghazi peeled off at the back post to fire Villa into an early lead. That goal breathed confidence into the team and they dominated the game even before West Bromwich Albion were reduced to ten men. El Ghazi was a danger all game for the Baggies and got his second from the penalty spot late in the day. That is four goals in his last three trips to the Hawthorns.
His overall performance was outstanding and you can see the confidence oozing from him. He caused problems all game with his brilliant runs and excellent link-up play with the other Villa attackers.
The In-Form El Ghazi Crowned 2020 With Two in Two
Villa finished the year with four points from their final two games: a resounding victory over Crystal Palace and a hard-fought draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Those performances emphasised Villa’s new determination and grit to get results in difficult circumstances.
Villa played the entire second half with ten men against Palace but, amazingly, they dominated the game and added two goals to a lead they had established in the first half. El Ghazi was in the thick of action, scoring Villa’s third to seal a magnificent victory. His willing runs and defensive contribution were appreciated all round. He capped a brilliant performance with a sensational strike leaving Vicente Guaita rooted.
With just 48 hours between the Palace and Chelsea games, there was little rest for the Villains. Dean Smith named the same side which played out the second half against Palace and despite sluggish moments, Villa fully deserved a draw from Stamford Bridge. El Ghazi once again stepping up scoring the decisive equaliser. It was a carbon copy of his finish against West Brom, peeling away from the defenders at the far post and tapping the ball past the goalkeeper.
That was his fifth goal in five games to crown a brilliant individual month for him and his team. His goal at Chelsea meant Villa picked up points from a losing position for the first time this season.
Villa Face a Tough Start to the New Year But Will Be Full of Confidence
Villa’s draw with Chelsea began a sequence of matches against some of their European rivals and the traditional top six teams. Villa kick-off 2021 with a trip to their bogey side Manchester United.
After that, it’s an FA Cup tie with Liverpool followed by league games against Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. January also sees Villa face other surprise packages Southampton.
A tough start to the new year but with the way Villa and El Ghazi are playing, they will relish every challenge.
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