(Last Updated on March 1, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
Nakamba shines in Grealish’s absence
Aston Villa saw off a high pressing Leeds United 1-0 as Mavelous Nakamba took matters into his hands in the absence of Jack Grealish.
Aston Villa was in a relegation battle at the end of last season and while celebrations to have survived were largely criticised by pundits like Roy Keane, many would like to think they had seen a brighter future if they survived.
Villa have been outstanding this season with much credit owing to the Captain, Grealish who is the most fouled player in the League and greatly influential to the club.
The Villans are 9th with a game in hand which could take them to within three points of Champions League football. If stats are anything to go by, Dean Smith would have known he was guaranteed a clean sheet ahead of their visit to Leeds as Villa have not conceded when Nakamba has played this season.
The Zimbabwean International was the star man as he managed 6 interceptions showing how much he was a parasite to Leed’s attack.
With Grealish sidelined, Smith would have been looking to add numbers to their attack considering Grealish is two players when attacking hence a solid Nakamba in their defence would give McGinn the freewill to go up the pitch.
While Nakamba may have looked to be struggling in England’s topflight due to very few minutes, his performance was highlight of a solid defensive midfielder who gives protection to the back four.
The performance will be a confidence booster going into the final third of the season and Nakamba would have left Smith with a selection crisis ahead of their visit to Bramall lane on Wednesday to face log bottom Sheffield United.
Guardiola tells secret behind City success.
Pep Guardiola sarcastically said that Manchester City’s great form under him has been largely because they have the money to spend on incredible players, “we have a lot of money to buy incredible players”.
The Citizens boss further highlighted that any team would need to spend a lot of money if it was to succeed as has been the case over the years with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United. It is however ideal to say that spending well wins you trophies as the above clubs have either spent indirectly by investing in the academy or buying players.
Since joining Manchester City, Guardiola has spent 500 million pounds, the bigger part of the overhaul coming in defence. Man City have since become contenders for silverware domestically and across Europe as they look to win the Quadruple this season.
On the other hand, their neighbours are second in terms of money spent in England since Guardiola’s arrival but have not won the League title. It is fair to say Guardiola has not just spent money but has done so wisely, buying into players who fit his puzzle.
The recent addition of Ruben Dias has highlighted that having conceded seven goals in their last 20 games.
Guardiola may have spent a lot of money but he surely knows how to use all these star players as managing a team of superstars can be mind boggling. With the secret out in the open, it will be interesting to see how Man City do in the transfer window.
NEWS:
- Inter Milan go seven points clear after Lukaku master class display.
- Man Utd drop two points against Chelsea to give neighbours a 12 points gap lead.
- Former Prince Edward School star Tinotenda Matiyenga claims three medals at the Big 12 Indoor Championship.
- Zimbabwean Olympic prospect Chenge Mapaya crowned the Big 12 Indoor triple jump champion.
- Liverpool beat log bottom Sheffield United 2-0 to move within Champions League qualification.
- Atletico de Madrid move five points clear at the summit after 2-0 win over Villarreal.
- AC Milan put pressure on Inter Milan with win against Roma.