Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports during their live coverage of Aston Villa’s win against Newcastle on Saturday that he is ‘really pleased’ whenever Sky tell him that he has to watch Dean Smith’s side in action.
The 2005 Champions League winner was in the commentary box for Villa’s comfortable 2-0 win against Newcastle over the weekend.
Once again, Dean Smith’s men put on a strong showing both offensively and defensively to move into the Premier League’s top-eight.
Carragher shared that Villa have been ‘one of the standout teams’ in the Premier League this term, as he heaped praise on how the Midlands outfit have transcended themselves since last season.
“I think they have been one of the standout teams in the division this season, Aston Villa,” said Carragher. “A complete change from where they were last season.
“Every time I watch them play, they excite me. I enjoy watching them. I am really pleased whenever I am given matches for Sky and Aston Villa are on the list.
“The performances at Old Trafford, at Man City, and they probably deserved something out of both of those games. You think here, the result and performance against Liverpool as well.
“So, the top teams in the division. You really know you have been in a game when you have played Aston Villa. They don’t sit back. They go for it against the top teams.”
From the underrated flair machine in Douglas Luiz to the expert ball-carrier Jack Grealish, Villa have talent all across the pitch and are heading only one way.
Whilst a lot is made about Villa’s recent summer business, the players they brought in when they earned promotion have been the real difference-makers.
Ezri Konsa, Matt Targett, Luiz and Trezeguet are just some of the players who have taken their game to the next level, alongside some of the new boys Matty Cash, Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez.
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