Matty Cash to win over Aston Villa fans after what happened v St Louis City
Matty Cash and Aston Villa enjoyed their first win of pre-season as they beat St. Louis City 2-1 in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Goals from Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins set Villa on their way during a tough game in St. Louis (30 July), with Cash impressing.
The Poland international’s future at Villa Park was uncertain at the start of the summer due to potential Profit and Sustainability issues, but with Unai Emery’s side seemingly in the clear, Cash can make the right back position his own.
Defence was a concern for the Villans last season, and Cash received criticism from supporters. However, that will have calmed down after what he did against St Louis City.
Cash stakes his claim at right back
It was a good workout for Unai Emery’s side in the challenging heat of Missouri. Emi Martinez started in goal for Villa, although he was one of 10 players to be substituted at half-time.
Emery gave 22 players a run-out, and Cash was one of the players who caught the eye.
Rogers, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the Villans this summer, opened the scoring in the 14th minute, his second goal in as many matches on the club’s pre-season trip to the USA.
Watkins then doubled Villa’s lead in the 56th minute, heading home Cash’s cross from close range for his second goal Stateside.
The 27-year-old offered attacking outlet and defensive stability to Villa and has put down a marker for next season.
Given the Villans’ lack of funds this summer, it is unlikely that Cash will be replaced, and with two years remaining on his contract, next season could be crucial to deciding whether he deserves an extension.
Cash could be a key defensive outlet next season
Cash has shown that he can be ruthless when defending for Villa.
| Player | Apps | G+A | Progressive Passes (per 90) | Pass Completion | Tackles Won (per 90) |
| Matty Cash | 35 | 2 | 1.95 | 78.1 per cent | 2.44 |
Given Emery’s free-flowing style of play, Villa must have quick wingbacks who can help out both defensively and in attack.
Cash can offer that next season, in a campaign that could be slightly more difficult for the Villans.
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