Aston Villa are a better team that West Ham United, at least according to AZ Alkmaar’s Sven Mijnans, who has now taken on both.
The defender was speaking after his side took on Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, which Unai Emery’s side ended up winning 4-1.
It was a comfortable evening for the Villans as goals from Leon Bailey, Youri Tielemans, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn continued their fine start to the season.
It’s not the first time Alkmaar have suffered at the hands of English opponents in Europe this year, with them also falling to defeat against West Ham back in May.
They took on David Moyes’ side in the Europa Conference League semi-finals, with the Hammers winning both legs 1-0 and 2-1 respectively before going on to win the competition.
Those games were, of course, tighter than Thursday’s result, in which Aston Villa again showed their attacking power under Emery’s guidance.
Mijnans, who played in both games, was certainly left impressed and believes the Villans top West Ham when it comes to overall quality.
“Aston Villa are still a better team than West Ham, especially the power up front and the footballing ability,” he said.
“And punishing opportunities. I thought Aston Villa was also a bit more direct in the pressing. West Ham dropped a little more and let us have more of the ball.
“That was the biggest difference today. They are extremely fast up front and very deadly.”
