RASHFORD BRACE FIRES ASTON VILLA INTO FA SEMI-FINALS
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Marcus Rashford netted his first goals for Aston Villa, inspiring a 3-0 victory over Preston on Sunday and securing the club’s first FA Cup semi-final appearance in a decade.
Rashford broke the deadlock in the second half at Deepdale, scoring twice to overcome Preston’s resilient defense before Jacob Ramsey sealed Villa’s place in the last four.
Villa will now face Crystal Palace, who defeated Fulham 3-0 on Saturday, in the semi-finals at Wembley on the weekend of April 26-27.
Since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United in January, Rashford has rediscovered flashes of the form that once made him one of England’s most promising talents.
His resurgence comes after a challenging period at United, where concerns over his attitude and off-field conduct led new manager Ruben Amorim to sanction his departure, following previous tensions with Erik ten Hag.
The 27-year-old’s double ended a goal drought stretching back to December 1, when he last found the net for United against Everton.
Deployed as a central striker—an unfamiliar role that often hampered his confidence at Old Trafford—Rashford proved too sharp for second-tier Preston, offering hope that his career is far from fading into obscurity.
“It’s a great feeling, I feel like I’ve been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here. It’s always nice for a forward to get a goal so hopefully it continues,” Rashford said.
“I missed a lot of football before joining up with Villa. It’s step by step. My body feels good and I’m enjoying my football for now.
“We’re very ambitious. We’ll see where it takes us.”
While struggling United have been mired in turmoil, Rashford has benefited from moving to upwardly mobile Villa.
– Memorable climax –
Unai Emery’s side have enjoyed a memorable run to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in April.
They also have an outside chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Rashford could be part of a memorable climax to the campaign for Villa, who haven’t won the FA Cup since 1957, with their last final ending in defeat against Arsenal in 2015.
Sitting 14th in the Championship, Preston were playing in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1966.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side were unbeaten in their previous 15 home games in all competitions, but the 1889 and 1938 FA Cup winners were no match for ruthless Villa.
Rashford’s free-kick forced Preston goalkeeper David Cornell into action before Ezri Konsa’s glancing header whistled just wide from Marco Asensio’s cross.
Stefan Thordarson wasted a golden opportunity to give Preston a shock lead when he poked wide.
Rashford was equally profligate after half-time, shooting straight at Cornell from inside the area.
But Villa broke the deadlock in the 58th minute as Rashford timed his run perfectly to meet Lucas Digne’s low cross with a clinical finish from 12 yards.
Morgan Rogers was denied by Cornell moments later as Villa went for the kill.
And it was Rogers who earned Villa’s penalty in the 63rd minute when the England midfielder was tripped by Andrew Hughes.
Rashford stepped up to send Cornell the wrong way with a nerveless spot-kick.
Ramsey put the result beyond doubt eight minutes later, surging towards the Preston area and drilling a powerful strike past Cornell for his fourth goal this season.
AFP
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