Aston Villa face a mammoth challenge at the weekend when they take on Premier League title-chasers Arsenal.
Unai Emery’s side spoilt Arsenal’s party last season when they beat them home and away – Thierry Henry says Villa cost Arsenal the Premier League title.
It’s two Saturday evening kick-offs in a row for the boys in claret and blue, after Aston Villa beat West Ham United on the opening day, with Darren Bent really impressed by what he saw.
Amadou Onana scored on his Villa debut and West Ham transfer-linked Jhon Duran came off the bench to score the winner.
Whilst teams up and down the land chase that number nine or goal machine, Villa are lucky that they have two quality stars on their books.
Ollie Watkins is the main man after he scored 19 Premier League goals and supplied 13 assists during the previous campaign.
But there is no denying, putting aside his off-field issues, that there is serious talent and quality with back-up striker, Duran.
Darren Bent has claimed that ‘I have been talking about him for so long’, with the 20-year-old joining the club during the January transfer window of 2023 from Chicago Fire.
Only Erling Haaland can better an impressive feat from Duran, with the hard-hitting striker scoring some important goals for the team.
Bent has been blown away by what he has seen from the player and how he has got a ‘nice touch’ to his game, as he told talkSPORT (20/08/24 at 4:35 pm).
Jhon Duran’s impact at Aston Villa
“Honestly, I have been talking about him for so long,” said Bent.
“I really like him. He is young as well. Every time he comes on, he makes an impact. He has got a nice touch. He was close to going to West Ham.”
Who starts against Arsenal?
Villa should bring back Diego Carlos for Arsenal’s visit, with Matty Cash going off injured during the win at West Ham.
That’s from a defensive aspect, but does Emery have a call to make going forward?
Watkins played an hour at the London Stadium, and amazingly enough, it was his first set of minutes since taking part in the Euros.
You suspect Emery will continue with him, but Duran is chomping at the bit now because he looked absolutely quality against West Ham.
