Aston Villa strike it rich as Matty Cash matches impressive Alexander-Arnold feat vs Arsenal
Matty Cash is quickly developing into one of Unai Emery’s most important players at Aston Villa.
Cash was linked with a move away from Villa Park over the summer, and there were some suggestions that those within the club’s hierarchy were willing to let him go.
However, the 28-year-old’s exit never materialised, and Emery will be delighted that he still has the Polish international to call upon, given his recent form.
Cash has been praised for his defensive capabilities over the past month, but his impact going forward is now being highlighted.
Matty Cash replicates Trent Alexander-Arnold’s record
Emi Buendia scored a dramatic last-minute winner as Aston Villa beat Arsenal 2-1 on Saturday, a result which leaves them just three points behind the Gunners at the top of the Premier League.
Cash had opened the scoring for Emery’s side in the first half, before Leandro Trossard equalised just seven minutes after the break.
The Villa full-back now has three league goals already this season, and he also picked up an assist in the recent 4-3 win over Brighton.
Cash’s strike against Arsenal means that, bar former Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold, he is the only defender to have scored 10+ goals and provided 10+ assists in the Premier League since the start of the 2020-21 campaign.
Emery will be delighted that his right-back is consistently chipping in with goal contributions and helping Villa climb up the Premier League table.
And in many ways, Villa got lucky Cash did not depart in the summer given just how important a role he is playing.
Matty Cash helps Aston Villa into Premier League title race
Since picking up just three points from the first five games of the season, Aston Villa have comfortably been the best team in the Premier League.
In fact, Emery’s side have now won nine of their last ten top-flight matches, the only slip-up coming against Liverpool back at the start of November.
After Cash’s opener and Buendia’s late winner against Arsenal, Villa are just three points adrift of Mikel Arteta’s side and very much in the Premier League title race.
| Position | Team | Games | Points |
| 1 | Arsenal | 15 | 33 |
| 2 | Man City | 15 | 31 |
| 3 | Aston Villa | 15 | 30 |
Under Emery, one of the best managers in world football, there is no reason why the Midlands giants can’t continue their superb form and achieve something really special.
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