After scoring in his first two appearances for Aston Villa, Ross Barkley says he is loving life at the club.
The midfielder, who signed on loan from Chelsea last month, ensured Villa’s winning start to the Premier League season continued on Sunday night, arrowing an injury time winner past Leicester City ‘keeper Kasper Schmeichel from long range.
It followed up his debut goal in the 7-2 demolition of Liverpool before the international break, and Barkley was delighted with how his Villa career has started.
“It’s a lovely way to start for me, and long may it continue,” he said.
“I’m focusing on helping the team out defensively, getting assists and helping the team to win.
“I’m loving it here. I’ve been welcomed with open arms since day one by the gaffer, the backroom staff, captain Jack Grealish and the rest of the lads.
“It’s been brilliant. I’m loving it and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
The 26-year-old’s late winner took Villa back up into second place in the table, keeping the league’s only 100% record intact in the process.
It’s the first time since 1930/31 that the club have won their opening four league matches, and Barkley is hoping they can continue their fine form against Leeds on Friday night.
He said: “I did an interview before and they told me it had been 90 years since Villa have won their opening four games in the top-flight.
“It’s a credit to all the lads. The club ended last season really well, added some players to the squad and now we’re getting the performances on the pitch.
“This game’s gone now and our focus is on Friday. We’ve got to recover, work hard in training and work on the game plan for Leeds.”
