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Marcus Rashford sends ‘huge’ Aston Villa message after being ‘Man United villain’
Matthew Wilkinson
3 minutes
Matthew Wilkinson
Sun 23 February 2025 16:16, UK
Aston Villa boosted their hopes of securing Champions League football for next season after a dramatic late victory led by Marcus Rashford’s superb display against Chelsea on Saturday (22 February).
Unai Emery’s side fell behind in the ninth minute after a goal from Enzo Fernandez, but Villa battled back with an impressive second-half performance and a brace from Marco Asensio.
The two goals were Asensio’s first since joining the club during the January transfer window, and it was his Villa’s other new signing Rashford who assisted both of them.
This marked the first time that the 27-year-old has provided a matchwinning contribution since moving to Villa Park in the January transfer window and showcased his dramatic transformation from Old Trafford villain to Villa hero.
The on-loan Man United star made a clear impact as he came off the bench at half-time after starting the midweek draw against Liverpool.
Rashford has made four appearances under Emery since joining the club as he aims to get his career back on track after being outcasted by Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery sat in the dugout
Photo Credit: Imago
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Marcus Rashford celebrates the latest Aston Villa win after his masterclass
Rashford produced an outstanding individual performance against Chelsea as he showcased what he can do in what was a far cry from his displays at Man United in the first half of the season.
The left winger was accurate with 94 percent of his passes as he created three chances throughout his 45-minute appearance.
Match Stats Rashford
Chances created 3
Touches 27
Shots 2
Successful dribbles 2/4 (50%)
Accurate crosses 1/3 (33%)
The England international celebrated the result on Instagram by saying, “Huge 3 points! UTV.”
Marcus Rashford celebrates Aston Villa win
Photo Credit: Instagram
Aston Villa are well placed to mount a Champions League charge
The victory helped Villa move up to seventh in the table as the club continues to push for a top four finish again this season.
Emery’s side have thrived in the Champions League during this campaign, with a Round of 16 fixture against Club Brugge awaiting them in March.
Villa will be looking to continue putting pressure on those above them when they face Crystal Palace on Tuesday (25 February).
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