Aston Villa 1-3 Southampton: Three Match Takeaway Thoughts

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 21: Danny Ings of Southampton scores his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Southampton FC at Villa Park on December 21, 2019 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

The Danny and James show

Danny has been grabbing the headlines, but James’ contributions have been vital too.

The former – Ings, if you were wondering – scored his 12th and 13th goals of the season at Villa Park yesterday, whilst the latter – Ward-Prowse – made his sixth goal contribution (three assists, three goals) in his last nine games in all competitions.

Both players are also crucial to the current system that Saints play, with Ward-Prowse providing energy and crisp passing in the centre and Ings’ tenacious running upfront causing havoc.

Consistency will be important from here until the end of the campaign and both players will need to keep producing like they have done.