Aston Villa situation dubbed ‘incredible’ by BBC pundit despite forced Unai Emery decision
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton has hailed the “incredible” form Aston Villa have shown in the Premier League lately despite Unai Emery being forced into a number of changes.
In recent weeks, Villa’s manager has had to cope with injuries to Matty Cash, Boubacar Kamara and Leon Bailey while Philippe Coutinho has also been sidelined for a while.
Leander Dendoncker came into the side on Saturday for the 3-0 win over Newcastle at Villa Park.
It was only the Belgian’s fourth Premier League start for Villa but the ex-Wolves man impressed in the middle of the park for Emery with Hutton praising the way he and his teammates have performed when being forced to swap into the side.
“Somehow, Emery has got every player pulling in the right direction,” Hutton told Villa News.
“They obviously see the target of European football and they all want to be a part of it.
“If Boubacar Kamara drops out, John McGinn drops in. If Leon Bailey gets injured, Dendoncker comes in and John goes back out wide.
“Everybody is willing to do their part for the team and I think that’s the main thing if you get everyone fighting. And not only on the pitch but also against each other with that competition pushing each other on.
“It’s eight unbeaten and they’ve won their last five. That’s incredible. That’s top-four form.
“If they keep it going, you never know.”
Villa face Brentford next away in West London on Saturday.
Thomas Frank’s side haven’t won in five matches.
In other Aston Villa news, it’s been revealed what Emery has told Ollie Watkins behind the scenes at Villa Park.