Jamie Carragher reveals Aston Villa ‘secret’ behind latest success vs Manchester City
Aston Villa used a superb set-piece to secure their victory over Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
Matty Cash was the man to apply the final touch as Villa beat Manchester City 1-0 at Villa Park, ending a run of nine games unbeaten for Pep Guardiola‘s side.
The Citizens had looked to be on the charge after a slow start to the season, but were stopped in their tracks by Unai Emery‘s men.
Amadou Onana was key against Manchester City, putting in a heroic defensive display that saw him cut out attack after attack from the visitors.
There was disappointment in one respect, however, with Emi Buendia spotted leaving Villa Park on crutches after he was forced off in the first half.
Jamie Carragher spills Villa set-piece secrets
Cash has already scored from outside of the box once this season, netting from range as Villa drew 1-1 with Sunderland.
The right-back has a keen eye for goal, and put it to full use against Manchester City on Sunday, scoring from his only shot.
The 28-year-old also created a big chance, won half of his duels and made three clearances in what was a brilliant individual display.
| Matty Cash | Vs Manchester City (H) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Clearances | 3 |
| Duels won | 4/8 |
With a corner in the 19th minute, Villa went short to Buendia, who played a raking ball that found Cash on the edge of the box.
With his first touch, the Poland international took the ball away from Bernardo Silva, and with his second, he found the bottom corner.
Analysing the goal for Sky Sports on Sunday, Jamie Carragher highlighted the fact that Villa found Cash in space.
“I said it might have been a slight surprise,” the former Liverpool defender explained. “But I don’t think it should have been.
“When you actually think about Matty Cash, he’s got a goal this season. This was his eighth shot this season from outside the box, five of them have come from set-piece situations.
“So he is a real danger for the opposition. Set-piece wise, that might have been a little secret for Aston Villa but it’s not now. It’s out there.”
What Matty Cash said about Villa’s set-piece
Whether he is telling the truth or trying to stop Villa’s future opponents catching on, Cash disagreed with Carragher’s analysis.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the win, the defender said: “It was a nice strike. It’s something we worked on yesterday in training, not exactly for me to hit it. It was a special corner, but it wasn’t meant for me.“
Whatever the case may be, Cash will certainly be finding himself tracked by a defender or two more the next time Villa have a corner, and Emery may well have Carragher to thank for that.
The Spaniard and Austin MacPhee will already have several other plans to mix it up, that’s for sure.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Aston Villa news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @villanews247