This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
Aston Villa sailed up the Premier League table into 11th with a 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon.
Dean Smith’s men went behind early on as Adam Webster headed home a Pascal Gros free-kick, but Jack Grealish became captain fantastic to swing the game in their favour.
On the stroke of half-time, the 24-year-old met Frederic Guilbert’s cross before turning provider in injury time.
Grealish slotted his onrushing left-back Matt Targett through on goal, and he duly dispatched from a tight angle to send Villa Park into raucous elation.
It’s now two successive victories for the west Midlanders as they face the reigning champions Manchester City next.
For all of Grealish’s exploits, there is one man that maybe doesn’t receive the credit he deserves.
Ever since making the switch across the English channel, Frederic Guilbert has made that right-back position his own, knocking one of Villa’s playoff heroes in Ahmed Elmohamady off his perch.
His role in the Brighton victory was no different, picking up a host of impressive statistics.
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Per SofaScore, the 24-year-old Frenchman recorded two interceptions, two clearances, and two successful dribbles.
This would suggest that Guilbert was an influence in both aspects of the game, defensively and in the attack – which is backed up through his assist for Grealish before the break and in him creating one other big chance.
During the recent international break, the club were linked with a move for Norway right-back Omar Elabdellaoui.
It remains to be seen how accurate these reports are, but you’d imagine after a performance like this, he might as well forget about returning to the Premier League as a replacement in that role simply isn’t needed.
The former Manchester City and Hull City man has next to no chance of being able to force his way into the side if Guilbert continues to perform in this vein of form – he ranks third overall in the Premier League for interceptions.
