The Premier League clash this week sees Tottenham Hotspur take on Aston Villa, with both teams looking to continue their recent form.
Aston Villa’s Recent Performance
Aston Villa struggled at the start of the season, failing to score in their first four matches. They faced goalless draws against Newcastle and Everton, along with defeats to Brentford and Crystal Palace. Their expected goals (xG) during this period stood at a mere 3.1, with only four significant chances created.
Turning the Tide
Recently, Villa’s fortunes have changed dramatically. They have claimed four consecutive victories across all competitions. Their latest matches include wins over:
- Bologna (1-0)
- Fulham (3-1)
- Feyenoord (2-0)
- Burnley (2-1)
This turnaround has revitalized their offensive capabilities, with Donyell Malen leading the charge.
Donyell Malen Steps Up
Malen, who joined Villa from Borussia Dortmund earlier this year, scored twice against Burnley in just his fourth league start. His partnership with Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers has shown promise, bringing a boost to the team’s goal-scoring efforts.
International Spotlight
Both Watkins and Rogers excelled during the international break. Rogers netted his first England goal against Wales and assisted Watkins in a dominant 3-0 win. However, Watkins had to withdraw from the squad after sustaining an injury in that match.
Looking Forward
As Aston Villa prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur, they will aim to maintain their momentum. With key players returning to form, the challenge will be to contain Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus, who currently leads the Premier League in assists.
The upcoming match promises to be a crucial encounter, shaping the season for both clubs as they strive for improvement and success in the league.
