HE'S THE SPECIAL DON

Boss Emery delighted as switch puts striker at centre of Villa win

- BY JOHN TOWNLEY

UNAI EMERY was thrilled after his tactical tweak unlocked Donyell Malen’s ruthless side.

Malen netted his first brace for Aston Villa after manager Emery moved the Dutchman into a central role in support of Ollie Watkins, while Matty Cash was deployed out wide.

The switch paid dividends as Villa grabbed a fourth successive win in all competitions, having gone the previous six games without a win.

"I spoke to him yesterday about the position I wanted him in today," Emery said of Malen after the 2-1 win over Burnley. "He played fantastic and he felt comfortable. He felt like he was in the position to help exploit his qualities.

"We were trying to get one player to attack aggressively in behind.

"If we can get Malen close to the box, he has qualities, and is a fast player to shoot and he is clinical. Today he showed it. He is one player more to help Watkins get to the opponent's box. We wanted to get the structure and John McGinn helped to play lower.