Jacob Ramsey insists Saturday’s big win over Newcastle – and the manner of it – sent out a massive statement to the rest of the Premier League. Villa have taken 22 points from a possible 24 since the end of February which has put them well on course for a European finish. A win over Brentford on Saturday will also see Villa go within just three points of the top four. On Saturday’s statement win over Newcastle and ahead of Villa’s seven-game run-in,
Aaron Ramsey said: “Yeah [it sent out a statement]. It was a good feeling [beating Newcastle]. Everyone battled on Saturday. It was an important game and the fans were up for it with their energy and their singing really helped us get the three points. When the boss first came in, our away form wasn’t great and it kind of tipped that we were playing better away rather than at home up until recently. At home, though, with our performances as a team we’ve been getting stronger and the results are showing. The boss has wanted us to start quick [at home] and when the atmosphere is like that and it’s bouncing, we thrive off that.”
On his own personal form this season,
Aaron Ramsey added: “It’s been a stop-start season. We’ve had the change of manager. I played two games with [Unai Emery] and while the World Cup was going on I picked up an injury. When I came back it took me some time to get used to playing football again with the way the boss wants to play. But I feel like I’m playing really well now. I’ve got a few goals and assists and I want to build on my numbers. With each game I’m getting more comfortable. The boss has said before that I can play on the left or the right. I’m getting more confident with each game and in each training session I’m learning new things. When a new manager comes in it’s a completely different playing style. It’s always going to get time for players to adapt to a new style. Each game and each session we’re all getting stronger and it’s showing in the performances. We’re starting to understand what the boss wants every week. He tells us that each game a different style and different players are needed but in the midfield we’re looking strong. At the moment it’s a good time to be around the club. With seven games to go, we need to keep pushing. Brentford will be another physical team and we have to make sure we match them. If we can go there and silence their crowd and match them physically, our technical ability will show.