Shearer: Villa have given Barkley a new lease of life

Premier League's record goalscorer highlights midfielder's impact after his second goal in two matches for his new club

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Ross Barkley has certainly hit the ground running at Aston Villa, helping Dean Smith's side to a perfect start of four wins from four Premier League matches in 2020/21.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who arrived on loan from Chelsea last month, scored on his debut in the 7-2 triumph over Liverpool and then struck the late long-range winner in Sunday's 1-0 victory at Leicester City.

Barkley is one of three Villa players to earn a place in Alan Shearer's Team of the Week, while the Premier League's record goalscorer has also reserved special praise for head coach Smith.

Ederson (MCI) MCI 1-0 ARS

The Brazilian played his part in a much-needed clean sheet with three good saves to keep Arsenal out. 

Kyle Walker (MCI) MCI 1-0 ARS

Deployed on the right side of a back three, he produced a really solid display to keep Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quiet. 

Conor Coady (WOL) LEE 0-1 WOL

Leeds United scored three goals at Anfield but couldn’t find a way past Coady and co. The captain read the game superbly well. 

Tyrone Mings (AVL) LEI 0-1 AVL

Villa have kept three clean sheets in their winning start. That’s largely down to Mings’ excellent defending.

Jack Grealish (AVL) LEI 0-1 AVL

Once again outstanding, he was the driving force with his close control, incisive runs and clever passes. 

Bruno Fernandes (MUN) NEW 1-4 MUN

His goal and his passing were so good that he was able to miss a penalty and still be brilliant!

Ross Barkley (AVL) LEI 0-1 AVL

He has been given a new lease of life at Villa. His winner was a trademark Barkley goal, with a driving run and superb strike from range.

Manuel Lanzini (WHU) TOT 3-3 WHU

He has to be in my team after scoring a goal like that in stoppage time to complete an astonishing comeback! 

Marcus Rashford (MUN) NEW 1-4 MUN

He gave Newcastle United’s defence a torrid night, scoring a goal, providing two assists and winning a penalty.

Harry Kane (TOT) TOT 3-3 WHU

An outrageous all-round performance which had everything. He scored two fantastic goals, produced a glorious pass for Son Heung-min’s strike and made a great last-ditch block in his own box.

Timo Werner (CHE) CHE 3-3 SOU

Up and running now in the Premier League, and there’s a lot more to come. He looked very sharp and added an assist to his two skilful goals.

Manager: Dean Smith (AVL) LEI 0-1 AVL

He’s got his players playing with huge confidence. No one will want to play Villa at the moment.