Aston Villa’s substitutes are proving to be pivotal in recent Premier League games and that proved to be the case against West Ham United on Sunday.
Nicolo Zaniolo might have taken the headlines for scoring a crucial equaliser at the London Stadium, but he has Moussa Diaby a lot to thank for.
Michael Owen pointed out how ‘sharp’ and ‘quick’ the Frenchman was against West Ham, with his brilliant run and assist proving to earn Aston Villa a much-needed point, as he told Premier League Productions (17/03/24 at 4:20 pm).
Go back to Moussa Diaby’s goal during Aston Villa’s win over Ajax in midweek and his assist against Luton Town previously, his form is starting to come back.
The £35 million star’s form dipped after a bright start and he was rightfully pushed to the bench by Unai Emery.
But the 24-year-old is now starting to find that magic touch again and at the right time with the team pushing for Champions League football.
All in all, he is rightfully getting plaudits for his most recent display, with ex-England striker Michael Owen sharing his thoughts.
Moussa Diaby assist
“It was, not only Zaniolo who got the goal having come off the bench, but Diaby came off the bench as well,” said Owen.
“He had a huge hand in it. He is so sharp and so quick off the mark. He stops his defender and then starts again, it’s a great ball into space.
“There isn’t much on, it’s two against about six or seven.”
Is Moussa Diaby pushing to start?
After the international break, Villa welcome Wolves to home soil, before a very tricky midweek game against Manchester City and then another home game against Brentford.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Diaby starts at least one of those matches because he is now pushing to do so.
Especially with John McGinn suspended and Jacob Ramsey still injured, it means Emery can’t put out a balanced side like he would want.
Therefore, he might just push for that extra attacking player, like he did against West Ham, and that’s where Diaby comes into it.
