The race for second place is firmly on
Following Liverpool’s defeat to Arsenal in today’s lunchtime kick-off, victory this afternoon against Aston Villa was made all the more important; not only to keep in touch with an in-form Arsenal side in the race for second spot and overtake Manchester City in the table (albeit temporarily, depending on their result against Crystal Palace on Monday night), but also to create some breathing space between ourselves and Liverpool as they vie for a spot in the top four.
Momentum is now on our side. Today’s victory was our sixth on the bounce in the Premiership, where we have played with much more purpose and pace, although in spite of our win this afternoon, the performance was not always pretty. Perhaps the international break had an effect on players’ performances but Aston Villa were organised for large parts of the game defensively and showed great energy in midfield. In fact, against a higher quality opposition, we would have been punished today on the break. However, in Louis van Gaal, we have a manager with vast experience, something of which has shown to be pivotal this season, especially in our games against our top four rivals.
The form of Ander Herrera
This week, van Gaal commented on how the form of Marouane Fellaini has meant that he is now un-droppable for the balance of the side, but van Gaal should be lavishing such praise and trust into the architect of our good form the previous month or so, Ander Herrera. The Spaniard was immense today linking up play with the midfield and attack, and showing great tenacity in supporting the defence. Herrera and Juan Mata are developing a terrific understanding with one another and at times today against Aston Villa, they were orchestrating the game between themselves.
Ander Herrera topped his performance off with two very well taken goals; in fact, the statistics of his game emphasises the quality in his display: 96 percent passing accuracy, two shots, two goals, two blocks and one chance created. It was the complete performance from our midfield magician.
David De Gea is human after all…
This season, David de Gea has arguably been the stand out goalkeeper of not only the Premier League, but in all of Europe. Of course, in line with his form and apparent hesitancy in signing a new contract, rumours of a potential move to Real Madrid in the summer develop every week. Yet, if Florentino Perez and Carlo Ancelotti were watching today against Aston Villa, hopefully, although unlikely, they are having second thoughts after the mistake De Gea made in allowing the ball to squirm beneath him from a Christian Benteke header! This was a one off from De Gea, and I am sure as he has done so many times this season, will produce decisive performances in our remaining league games as we fight for a Champions League spot.
Daley Blind – Mr Reliable
Along with Ander Herrera, Daley Blind today produced a performance of immense professionalism, where he worked fantastically well at times with Ashley Young, supporting the Englishman on the left flank without neglecting his defensive duties. Not only did Blind produce an assist, he impressively won 100 per cent of his tackles, 100 percent of his areal duels, had a passing accuracy of 91 percent and created three chances.
Since he has been deployed at left back by van Gaal to accommodate Michael Carrick in midfield, people have been questioning just where Daley Blind’s best position actually is. Players of Blind’s ilk, especially those who are graduates of Ajax’s fames youth system, are taught to play in multiple positions. It is this emphasis on technical ability and positional awareness which differentiates many continental players to our own.
