The man is flying at the moment. Conor Hourihane is enjoying a rich vein of form at the moment, acting as the heartbeat of an improving Aston Villa side. They headed into today's game against Leeds United having been unbeaten in their last seven Championship games, a period which included convincing wins over promotion hopefuls Derby and Middlesbrough.
Leeds were hoping to regain top spot in the division, having been overtaken by Norwich after their victory against Blackburn yesterday afternoon.
Things did not start well for the visitors however, when Tabby Abraham put the home side in front inside five minutes. Hourihane was instrumental in the goal, producing a fantastic pass to play in John McGinn before the sequence was ultimately finished by Abraham.
TAMMY ABRAHAM
That man again! #AVFC lead #LUFC
📺 Watch #AVFC v #LUFC live on Sky Sports Football or follow here: https://t.co/Dnx7OgiiXY pic.twitter.com/o0bo9ducdD— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 23, 2018
It was then the Cork man's turn to score a goal of his own. He picked up the ball 25 years from the opposition goal in a central position, before making no mistake as he stroked it home with his left foot.
A CHRISTMAS CRACKER
Hourihane bends one beautifully in to the far corner and Villa lead 2-0
📺 Watch #AVFC v #LUFC live on Sky Sports Football or follow here: https://t.co/Dnx7OgiiXY pic.twitter.com/GPWVDGC0cM— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 23, 2018
Every time you hear Hourihane has scored, you can be assured that it was a cracker. This was his third strike in the Championship this season, all of which have come from outside the penalty area. He has also notched six assists.
Conor Hourihane has now scored three goals in the Championship this season, all of which have been scored from outside the box.
A specialist in stunners. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/ptDtpYDBLu— Squawka (@Squawka) December 23, 2018
Having lost his place in the side earlier in the season, he has firmly established himself as a key contributor under manager Dean Smith.
He will now be hoping to do the same under Mick McCarthy on the international stage. Hourihane was often overlooked during Martin O'Neill's time in charge, with the former manager consistently picking more workhorse-type midfielders.
Ireland have sorely lacked creativity in the side in recent years, something that Hourihane can most certainly provide. It will be interesting to see how much he contributes in a green jersey over the upcoming qualifying campaign.
