David Villa Alerts Premier League Clubs With Valencia Exploits
23d April 2009
David Villa closed in on Samuel Eto'o at the top of the goalscoring La Liga charts as Valencia defeated Real Betis to boost their Champions League hopes and alert a host of clubs chasing the striker's signature.
Villa may be heading for a big summer move but his loyalty to Valencia remains unquestioned and he has scored 25 out of their 60 league goals this season as Valencia saw off Betis 2-1.
Spanish international Villa, who is now two goals behind Eto'o, struck the opener on 65 minutes and grabbed a second in the 79th minute as Valencia closed to within two points of third-placed Sevilla and opened up a six-point gap over rivals Villarreal and Atletico Madrid.
Raul hat-trick keeps Real Madrid on Barcelona's tailValencia and Villa's next challenge is a home match against Barcelona this Saturday when they want to avenge their 4-0 thrashing earlier in the season.
"Villa is a great footballer and he is committed to the Valencia cause," said coach Unai Emery.
"It is great for us to close in on Sevilla and now we are focussed on the Barcelona game on Saturday when I expect a carnival atmosphere at the Mestalla."
Betis must have known Villa was Valencia's main danger man and the former Sporting Gijon forward provided the breakthrough on 65 minutes, collecting a Juan Mata pass before dispatching home.
The Euro 2008 Golden Boot winner scored again late on to put the pressure on Eto'o in the Pichichi race.
Villa, 27, has attracted interest from Manchester City and Liverpool and recently said he would stay loyal to cash-strapped Valencia.
Edited by Fernando'sWifey..x - 29/4/2009, 10:23
