ITV pundit slams 33% Aston Villa man Alex Moreno after ‘problems’ in 3-1 loss v Chelsea
Aston Villa slumped to a miserable home defeat to Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round, with the Blues winning 3-1 on Wednesday (7 February).
Villa Park played host to the replay, with the two Premier League clubs having drawn 0-0 at Stamford Bridge in the initial tie.
But Unai Emery’s outfit were outclassed in the second fixture, with Moussa Diaby’s consolation goal the only positive.
Aston Villa beaten well by Chelsea
The winger netted in the 91st minute of the match, but the damage was already well done by the visitors, who clinched the win thanks to goals from Conor Gallagher, Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez.
The hosts did little to prevent all three goals in a dismal display, but it was Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno who was singled out for Jackson’s goal, with pundit Karen Carney saying on ITV at half-time: “Malo Gusto was massive in this goal. Chelsea pinned Aston Villa’s line back.
“It’s given to Gusto eventually, but he was causing Moreno problems, because he didn’t know whether to step into midfield and deal with Noni Madueke or to deal with Gusto. In the end, it was a brilliant cross and a brilliant finish.”
Moreno was certainly in no man’s land during that attack from the Blues, but he didn’t exactly have the best 90 minutes in general.
As per Sofascore, the left-back won just two of his five ground duels, and just three of his six duels overall. Furthermore, the defender completed just one of his three crosses (33%), while he gave the ball away on 10 occasions.
Fortunately for Villa, Moreno’s fellow left-back Lucas Digne is nearing a return to full fitness, and could provide the Spaniard with a much-needed rest against Manchester United.
Digne has a goal and five assists to his name this season, and would be a welcome asset when the Red Devils visit Villa Park on Sunday (11 February). Moreno has really impressed in recent times, but perhaps a break is needed.
In other Aston Villa news, one 85% Villa star shone in the recent win against Sheffield United, with Don Goodman dubbing him “electric.”
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