Matty Cash delivers timely 86% cameo in Aston Villa draw v Everton, still room to improve
Aston Villa will have been disappointed with their latest result, with Unai Emery’s men held to a draw against Everton.
The Midlands club played out a goalless stalemate with the Merseyside club at Goodison Park on Sunday (14 January).
But the visiting manager, players and supporters can still be somewhat happy with the point given how Sean Dyche’s men have been fighting for results ever since their 10-point deduction.
Still, the Spaniard will have left Goodison frustrated given how they missed out on the chance to go level with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Emery made four substitutes throughout the match in order to steal an all-important goal, with Jhon Duran, Youri Tielemans, Matty Cash and Nicolo Zaniolo all appearing from the bench.
And right-back Cash certainly impressed on Merseyside despite featuring for just 16 minutes, with the defender completing 86% of his passes, two of which were key, with that latter figure a joint-match high [Sofascore].
The 26-year-old created one big chance against the Toffees, with his efforts sending a timely reminder to his manager that he is a real threat going forward.
He did, however, complete just one of his two attempted crosses, and was not accurate with his only attempted long pass at Goodison. Those areas can certainly be improved upon on the training ground.
Having been a regular for a large chunk of the season, Cash has recently lost his starting place to Ezri Konsa, a centre-back by trade.
That will be hugely disappointing to the Poland international, who certainly started the campaign full of optimism, with such optimism evident in his early performances.
Given the displays of Konsa this season, Cash doesn’t look like regaining his first-team spot anytime soon, with the former completing 94% of his passes against Everton, as well as making one clearance, one interception and blocking two shots [Sofascore].
The latter can, however, ensure he is not forgotten about at Villa Park with more top displays, although they are more than likely to come from the bench for the time being.
In other Aston Villa news, one 96% Villa Park ace is set for increased responsibility after recent comments from Emery.
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