One Aston Villa star proved Unai Emery wrong on Sunday afternoon against West Ham, as Matty Cash showcased just what he can offer to the Villans at right-back.
Aston Villa were relieved in the end to walk away from the London Stadium with a point after West Ham looked to have won the game in stoppage time.
VAR stole the headlines from the 1-1 draw between the two sides who featured in Europe on Thursday night, seeing two goals disallowed and one controversial penalty claim dismissed.
While Villa were denied a penalty for a handball in the first half, the hosts had two goals chalked off for the same offence on what was a day dominated by the decisions of the officials.
Unai Emery’s side earned a point on what was a difficult day and dreary display from the visitors however, the manager will now have a decision to make based on one dazzling cameo.
Matty Cash shone for Aston Villa against West Ham
Just as he did in the Europa Conference League against Ajax, the boss opted to start Ezri Konsa at right-back, leaving Matty Cash either out of position or out of the picture.
The Poland international was dropped to the bench to see Konsa start on the right side of defence against West Ham although it was soon apparent that his side needed his expertise.
At half-time, the 26-year-old was introduced to replace Clement Lenglet, seeing Konsa return to his favoured centre-back role and Cash unleashed on the right.
It was clear from the opening stages of the second half just how potent the right-back can be for Villa, providing more of a direct threat in the final third as well as being solid defensively throughout.
As per Sofascore, Cash completed two successful dribbles, won three duels and provided one “unbelievable” block in 45 minutes, suggesting that he may have proved one of Emery’s theories wrong.
Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa proved Unai Emery wrong
As showcased against West Ham, Konsa is a reliable centre-back and Cash is Villa’s best option at right-back for the style of play that the manager demands of his team.
After the game, journalist Jacob Tanswell lauded the Poland international’s “brilliant” display against the Hammers, highlighting just what he can bring to Villa’s right side over Konsa.
“Matty Cash was everything you wanted from a sub today – added impetus going forward, brought intensity and made a brilliant block towards the end.”
“AVFC have got a right-back shortage but Emery needs to get Ezri Konsa in his best role.”
With Wolves up next, Emery could acknowledge the performance of both of his defenders in the second half against West Ham and start the duo in their best positions.
