The Submarine start 2022 with an impressive performance by Emery’s side
Villarreal welcomed 2022 with an impessive goalfest. The Yellows defeated Levante (5-0) after an impressive team performance by Unai Emery’s men, who now have six wins in a row. Led by an exceptional Gerard Moreno, who scored twice, the Submarine are moving forward towards the European spots in the table.
Unai Emery’s side started the year as it ended it: by scoring and putting on a show. The Christmas break didn’t stop the excellent run the Yellows were on, with them dominating against a Levante UD side who were no match for the Submarine.
Villarreal weren’t taking anything for granted, and after ten minutes, they were already ahead on the scoreboard. Boulaye Dia once more showed his goalscoring talent, with a header from an excellent cross from Samu Chukwueze, who was always dangerous on the right.
The Submarine didn’t give Levante any time to respond after they conceded the first. With a shot at the far post, Pau Torres finished Emery’s side’s routine straight from the training ground after a corner taken by Moi Gómez headed on by captain Vicente Iborra.
Villarreal were delighting their fans, who were having a great time thanks to Gerard’s magic. Before half-time, the Catalan striker had already got the home support on their feet with a few top-class moments.
His great goal was also a momento to remember, as he made it 3-0 in style. After a few feints in the box, Gerard left the Levante defence for dead, and sent the ball across the goal into the back of the net. The Estadio de la Cerámica was back on its feet.
Despite the lead, Villarreal did not relax. The Submarine started the second half controlling the game, and peppering the opposition goal. Ten minutes into the second half, Aitor Fernández made a brilliant reflex save to deny Manu Trigueros as he headed at goal from point-blank range.
In the 68th minute, the opposition goalkeeper once more denied the midfielder a goal after he appeared in the box after a Gerard pass, forcing Fernández into a top-class save. It would be third time lucky for the qualified teacher. The No.14 joined the goalscoring party with an unstoppable rocket from outside of the box.
Ten minutes before the end, Gerard – who has now got used to scoring braces – added his second. The third time in a row he’s scored twice in a match. The No.7 is, without question, the most in-form player in LaLiga, and one of the most decisive players in the world. Immediately after the goal, Emery took him off. The stadium gave him the ovation he deserved.
The closing stages also saw two young talents from Villarreal B get game time. Nicolas Jackson and Carlo Adriano, who made his LaLiga debut, enjoyed the goalfest in the derby.
With four consecutive wins in LaLiga, Villarreal are now eighth in the table with 28 points. Emery’s men are getting closer to Europe every day.
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Serge Aurier, R. Albiol, Pau, Estupiñán; Iborra, M. Trigueros (m.84, Carlo Adriano), Moi Gómez (m.73, Alberto M.), Chukwueze (m.73, Yeremy); Gerard (m.80, Dani Raba), Dia (m.80, N. Jackson).
Levante UD: Aitor Fdez.; Marc Pubill, Ruben Vezo, O. Duarte, C. Clerc (m.59, Franquesa); Radoja (m.59, Malsa), Melero (m.59, P. Martínez) , Bardhi (m.78, Rober Pier), J.G. Campaña, De Frutos (m.78, Dani Gómez); Roger Ms.
Goals: 1-0. Min 8: Dia. 2-0. Min 13: Pau. 3-0. Min 37: Gerard. 4-0. Min 74: M. Trigueros. 5-0. Min 79: Gerard.
Referee: Hernández Hernández (Comité Canario). Booked: Serge Aurier, Iborra, M. Trigueros (Villarreal CF); Bardhi, C. Clerc (Levante UD).
Stadium: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 19 between Villarreal and Levante at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Attendance: 13,462.
