(Credit: Imago, Match of the Day)

Evan Shaw

Mon 23 March 2026 8:45, UK

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Aston Villa ended their four-game winless run in the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.

Goals from John McGinn and Ollie Watkins handed Unai Emery’s side a crucial victory, and they now find themselves five points clear of Liverpool in the race for the top four.

Jadon Sancho notched his second league assist of the season for the first goal, as he cleverly laid the ball across the edge of the box for McGinn to curl home after a short free-kick had been taken on the left wing.

The 25-year-old has become an increasingly important member of the Villans’ squad in recent weeks, and his quality came to the fore once again at the weekend.

Villa’s transfer plans for the summer are already being drawn up, and they will surely have to prepare a move for Sancho after a moment that Joe Hart picked out on Sunday.

Joe Hart in love with Jadon Sancho decision for John McGinn goal

McGinn’s strike set Villa on their way after just 15 minutes on Sunday, and it was a goal that owed a lot to the creativity and quick thinking from Sancho.

The hosts had a numerical advantage on the edge of the box, and the winger promptly signalled for Lucas Digne to take a step out of the way, to ensure he had a clear route to square the ball for McGinn.

The 25-year-old has gained a reputation throughout his career for being something of a maverick on the pitch and a player who creates with his energy and his ball-carrying ability.

However, this showcased another side to his game, as it highlighted the unexpected level of game awareness, which he is not usually known for.

Hart couldn’t praise him quickly enough during his analysis on Match of the Day, as he was gushing over both his decision-making and the quality of his pass.

“What I love about Sancho here is that he realises there’s only one man dealing with all three at the edge of the box, and that is a great opportunity for a top-class player,” the former Manchester City goalkeeper said.

“He gets into Matty Cash’s ear, and he gives a subtle message to Digne to step away; ‘I’m going to go to McGinn here.’

“He lays a beautiful ball to McGinn, it’s an excellent goal. Here’s what makes me think it was off the cuff, Morgan Rogers is saying What are you doing? We’ve practised all week about getting the ball under the bar and into bodies.’

“That’s why Sancho is so brave, he plays it perfectly for McGinn.”

Aston Villa must go all out for permanent Sancho deal

Football Insider revealed back in February that Villa are keen to try and keep Sancho permanently when his contract with Manchester United expires in the summer.

His former club Borussia Dortmund have also been strongly tipped to try and make a move for the wideman, but Villa should be doing everything they can after another promising display.

Sancho is starting to look like a player who has got back to his best in the second city, and moments of creativity like his assist at the weekend are clear signs that he is beginning to flourish at his loan club.

He showcased another side to his game that isn’t commonly seen on Sunday, and that will surely have left Emery in no doubt that he needs him as part of his squad for next season.

Sancho appears to be enjoying his football at Villa Park at the moment, and that could leave the club in a good position to try and secure a deal.