Cleverley hails Sherwood style

20 April 2015 12:47

Tom Cleverley has hailed Tim Sherwood's style and insists Aston Villa's attacking gambles are paying off.

The midfielder helped Villa reach the FA Cup final after their 2-1 last-four victory over Liverpool on Sunday.

Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph scored to cancel out Philippe Coutinho's opener as Villa booked a final showdown with Arsenal on May 30.

And Manchester United loanee Cleverley reckons boss Sherwood's gameplans are allowing Villa to express themselves and clinch results.

"He has brought an attacking style of football. At times we gamble, and it is a case of entertaining the fans and that's what was needed to bring back to the football club," he said.

"Along with some fantastic defensive displays, we are good to watch and it's (a) great (team) to play in.

"I'm playing with four fantastic midfielders here in Westy (Ashley Westwood), Carlos (Sanchez) and Delphy, so it's an absolute pleasure to play with them every week and I'm really enjoying my football."

Holders Arsenal, who beat Hull 3-2 after extra-time last May, have thrashed Villa 3-0 and 5-0 in the Premier League this season and will go into the final as clear favourites.

But Cleverley dismissed any suggestion the game is a foregone conclusion and believes Villa can stun the Gunners to win their first major trophy since 1996.

"I think The FA Cup final is a one-off day. Hull nearly managed to do it against them last year and we'll be going into the match in full confidence," the 25-year-old told TheFA.com

"When we have played Arsenal this year we have been in bad spells, but hopefully come Saturday, May 30, we will be right on form.

" It hasn't sunk in yet that we will be playing for a major trophy in a massive final - it's (a) hugely proud moment."

Source: PA