Credit: Imago and Getty Images

Jack Dawson

Mon 2 March 2026 22:10, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Matt Targett has increased his popularity among Aston Villa fans on Monday as he netted twice for Middlesbrough against Birmingham City as they won 3-1.

The 30-year-old left-back currently plays for Boro on loan from Newcastle and put in a standout display at St Andrews to boost their promotion hopes.

In the process, Targett also ensured that the Blues’ playoff ambitions took a serious hit as they had no answer for the former Villa man.

As a result, many of the Villa Park faithful thought it was hilarious, as Birmingham City’s dreams of returning to the Premier League for the next campaign look increasingly unlikely.

Two goals and one big night under the lights for Matt Targett! ✨ pic.twitter.com/48Px9Meoyi

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 2, 2026

• Read more: Exclusive: Championship clubs in summer race to sign Aston Villa sensation Tommi O’Reilly

Aston Villa fans adore Matt Targett after brace vs Birmingham City

Targett moved to Aston Villa in 2019 and helped keep the club in the Premier League for two-and-a-half years before he moved to Newcastle United in 2022.

However, at the Magpies, he has struggled for game time, which eventually resulted in his loan move to Boro this season.

So far this campaign, he has been a key player for Middlesbrough as they look to return to the Premier League.

On Monday, he had his best game in a Boro shirt yet, netting twice within 13 minutes in the first half to give the visitors a comfortable lead.

As a result, Villa fans were quick to praise Targett for his role in potentially keeping Birmingham in the Championship for another season.

Super Matt Targett 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 #avfc #bcfc

— Matt Jones 🦁🤘🏻 (@MattAJones17) March 2, 2026

Matty Targett going for cult status 🤣pic.twitter.com/kKTXSvFbFP

— Danny – #AVFC (@danielhavfc) March 2, 2026

Seeing a Matt Targett brace against blues got me remembering how solid he was first two seasons back in the prem for us, even got POTY if I remember?

The 90+6 winner vs Brighton was limbs inside VP as well #AVFC

— Chris Trotter (@ChrisTrotter161) March 2, 2026

I always liked Matt Targett 🤣😉 #AVFC #MFC

— Sean Langley (@seanlangley94) March 2, 2026

Matt Targett is loving it!!! #AVFC

— Dave Hedge (@awaveacrossabay) March 2, 2026

Looks like Targett may have redeemed himself with this fanbase 😂🤫 #avfc #bcfc

— Ryan Neale (@ryanneale_) March 2, 2026

Targett doing the lords work ⚽️⚽️ #AVFC https://t.co/K3SO7VuwfU

— Bruce Henry Bond (@BruceHBond) March 2, 2026

• Read more: Stefan Borson: Aston Villa could escape financial breach after source’s reveal

How good was Targett vs Birmingham?

According to Fotmob on 2 March, Targett was easily the best player on the pitch against Birmingham.

On top of his goals, the full-back made 12 recoveries, had a 100 per cent conversion ratio, produced one cross and was not dispossessed once.

As a result, his performance could prove to be massive for Boro as they moved four points away from Millwall and cemented their spot in second place.

However, for Blues, it is damning, with the club now eight points off the playoffs with 11 matches left to play.

It remains to be seen if Chris Davies’ side can still mount any kind of playoff challenge between now and the end of the season, or if Targett has completely ended Birmingham’s hope of returning to the Premier League for the upcoming season.