Aston Villa hammered Derby County 4-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Pundit Jamie Redknapp has told the Daily Mail that Jack Grealish’s injuries are the only thing keeping Aston Villa out of the play-offs.
Villa hammered Derby County 4-0 on Saturday afternoon, and whilst a brace from Conor Hourihane and a Tammy Abraham goal had Villa 3-0 up, it’s the fourth goal which is making headlines.
Glenn Whelan took a corner in first half added time, and chose to chip the ball all the way to the edge of the box to Grealish, rather than the old fashioned ‘stick it in the mixer’ approach.
Grealish watched the ball on to his foot and unleashed a stunning, unstoppable volley into the top corner of the net, sparking wild celebrations at Villa Park.
It would have been a remarkable moment anyway, just out of sheer quality, but it was made all the greater by the fact it was Grealish’s long-awaited return to action.
A shin injury had kept Grealish out for three months, and Villa won just twice in 13 league games without their talismanic playmaker.
As soon as he comes back, Villa thrash Derby in convincing fashion, and fans are now hopeful of a late charge to the play-offs; Dean Smith’s men are just six points away.
Now, pundit Redknapp has praised the goal, comparing it to John McGinn’s screamer for Villa against Sheffield Wednesday earlier this season, whilst also claiming that Grealish is the best player outside the Premier League – and thinks his injury is the only reason Villa aren’t in the play-off spots.
“There have been some brilliant volleys this season but the best two have both come at Villa Park,” said Redknapp. “If you enjoyed John McGinn’s strike against Sheffield Wednesday in September, you will love Jack Grealish’s volley following a corner against Derby on Saturday.”
“Had Grealish been fit for the whole season, I am in no doubt Villa would be in the play-offs. He is the best player outside the Premier League,” he added.
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