Aston Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi has expressed his delight at the support he is receiving at Villa Park after his recent first-team impact for Dean Smith’s side.  

After signing in the summer under Steve Bruce, El Ghazi struggled to adapt to the Championship and was much of an outcast at Villa Park.

However, in recent weeks he’s impressed Smith and is now a key part of the first-team setup.

In eight appearances he has four goals and one assist, with two of those goals coming in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Friday evening.

His impact in that derby impressed supporters, who were vocal in their support of the 23-year-old.

Discussing this with Villa’s official media, El Ghazi said: “The fans are shouting my name. It’s an amazing feeling. It gives me such a good feeling.  

“I am very happy to give them something back.” 

A good run of form in recent weeks has put Villa into serious promotion contention heading into the festive period.

Seven points from a possible nine have been collected on the road against Derby, Middlesbrough and West Brom, whilst a win and a draw were recorded at home against Birmingham and Nottingham Forest.

Now, Villa have back-to-back home fixtures in the build up to Christmas, welcoming Stoke and Leeds to Villa Park.

The Verdict  

El Ghazi’s form is making him a fan favourite at Villa Park and he’s finding his best at just the right time.

Smith’s side are flying right now, and with El Ghazi and his teammates in this kind of form, teams aren’t going to want to go up against Villa.

Continuing this type of form could see Villa become a real threat to the top-six.

Thoughts? Let us know!